Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.

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 communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.

Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger 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 issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information about your medical and mental health background. The provider may also ask you about the history of your family members with 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations which include work, school and social interactions.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development bupa adhd diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, a review of medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that may have 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 to everyday life activities.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis for adhd in adults. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they became older. 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants who can diagnose adhd adults suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to get adult adhd diagnosis to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was small. An expansion of the sample might have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD private diagnosis for adhd should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.