17 Reasons Why You Should Beware Of Diagnosis Of ADHD Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult could provide possibilities for treatment.


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 daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

You may feel like you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step in the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychiatric 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 before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.

You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.

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

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday life 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 cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Additionally, undiagnosed adhd adults with 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 to get the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create problems in certain situations.

For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they grew up. 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how 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 adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. 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 that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.