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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful.

Symptoms

You may feel like you’re not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. It’s not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It’s important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The doctor might also inquire about your family 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 affecting your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they’re finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as an examination of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor 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 can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It’s important to remember that ADHD isn’t a sign of intelligence or capacity. It’s merely an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time 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.

adult adhd diagnosis uk with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.

ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren’t able to handle all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person’s medical and mental health background. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.

Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child’s or your own health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.

Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.

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

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.

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