Diagnosis Of ADHD: It's Not As Difficult As You Think Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can 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 interfere with everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. diagnosed with adhd as an adult for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You may be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step to a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychopathological history. The provider may also inquire 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple situations, like at work, school as well as in your 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 have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.

In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.

For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as they grew up. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting 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 such as depression or anxiety. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they might try to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.

ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they might be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and taking care of family members as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.