Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could offer 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, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you’re suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you’re not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You might be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.

Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You may be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it’s not your fault. It’s important to realize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. 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 before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

People with adhd diagnosis in adults are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt other people’s conversations and spit out answers to questions before you’re completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

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

Diagnosis

A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.

People who have not been being diagnosed with adhd in adulthood or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or as a poor employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It’s important to keep in mind that ADHD isn’t a sign of intelligence or ability. It’s just 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 may have changed as they grew up. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.

The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them aren’t aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of – pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person’s medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, 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. People who have certain health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how is adult adhd diagnosed to build healthy school, family and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how do you get an adhd diagnosis to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your your child’s health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. In fact, it’s estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample could provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.