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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may open up possibilities for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. 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 the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations which include work, school and social relationships.

If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.

Research suggests 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 critical developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can assist 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 specialist may also perform a physical exam or lab tests 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 six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor crashes.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's simply an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.

In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as they became older. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do a variety of things at the same time. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.

The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from late adhd diagnosis find their symptoms grow worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage their the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to.get diagnosed with adhd to manage their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to get diagnosed with adhd adult to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided more details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.