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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could offer treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.

Symptoms

You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The provider may ask about the background of ADHD in your family.

To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have experienced at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.

You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they might try to accomplish a lot at once. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they may have been labelled as either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to get diagnosed with adhd to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adhd diagnosis controversy in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.