Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren’t aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may give options 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 daily functioning, at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and 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 might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you’re unable to get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. 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 is to make a diagnosis.

A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting details about your medical and mental health background. The provider may ask about the background 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 age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could 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 lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory 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 least six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It’s important to keep in mind that ADHD isn’t a sign of intelligence. It’s merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.

Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults who have them don’t know they have ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They aren’t able to handle all the balls at once – pursuing a career and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family or friends who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of a person’s medical and mental health background. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which require treatment. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample could have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.

It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.