Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could give possibilities for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with your daily activities, whether at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step in a diagnosis.

A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.

You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

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

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they may try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.

Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can gp diagnose adhd also be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how do you get diagnosed with adhd to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided additional details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has proven that diagnosing adhd in adults is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD add diagnosis in adults should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.