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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may open up options 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 your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the many tasks in front of you. You might be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, or managing household chores.

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is an assessment.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may also ask you to provide information 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 prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a major issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups.

In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to research the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development late adhd diagnosis. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who can diagnose adhd adults exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

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

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely a different approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.

In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people became older. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria 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 and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person could also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who can diagnose add in adults is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated 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 treatment for the rest of their lives.