Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult could give options for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is an assessment.

A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The provider may also ask you about the history of your family members with ADHD.

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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school and in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.

In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that can create problems in certain situations.

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

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder usually remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. As the demands of adulthood increase However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.

Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the sample size was small. A larger sample could provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.