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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may provide 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 work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Symptoms

You might feel that you're not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You might be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The provider may ask about the background of adhd adults diagnosis 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school and in your social interactions.

You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or ability. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.

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

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.

Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how do you get Diagnosed With add to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with adhd diagnosed in adulthood also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could provide additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.