Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may 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 significantly interfere with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you struggle with 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 you're unable take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is the process of diagnosing.

A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information about your medical and mental health background. The provider may ask 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at school, work, and in your social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You could disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

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 a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.

For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they developed. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria for adhd diagnosis 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 and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.

The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people with ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.

Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

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

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

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

Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have a tougher time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample might have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.