Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult can provide possibilities for treatment.

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 improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.

Symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to take on 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 difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information about your family's 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 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.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or ability. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's add diagnostic criteria adults and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they may try to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess working memory, executive function and spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation 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 with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from adhd diagnosis wales adults are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis of adult adhd or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.