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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 should significantly interfere with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

It could be that you feel that you're not performing to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel that you can't manage the many tasks in front of you. You might 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 result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your medical and mental health history. The provider may also ask you 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 before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at school, work, and in your social interactions.

You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have trouble 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.

In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast 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 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 who has an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, reviewing medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

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

Adults may have different symptoms than children. However, the 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 who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationship problems.

Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for family and juggling with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge 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. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you about your your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone where to diagnose adhd poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

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

Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.