Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may provide possibilities for treatment.

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

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You may be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.

Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step in an assessment.

A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The provider may also inquire about your family history of 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply a different behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.

Adults may experience different symptoms than children. However, the symptoms 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they may try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once - pursuing a career and caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.


Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people 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 using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample could provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.