Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up treatment options.

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

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can identify ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The doctor may also inquire 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple situations, like at work, school and in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.


For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they became older. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they may try to do many things simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.

The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults with them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls at once - pursuing a career and taking care of family members, while also keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family or friends who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size would have provided more information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.