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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may 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 be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step in the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might inquire about the history 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 must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.

For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

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

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, an examination of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.

For developmental history , it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they might try to accomplish a lot at once. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and taking care of family members and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct 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 might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.