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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could give 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 life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that 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 responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. 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 problems. The first step is an assessment.

A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social interactions.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.

In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.





According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.

Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.

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

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship issues.

Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase However, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage their the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.

Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

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

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.

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