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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may provide treatment options.

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 activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

You may feel like you're not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You might be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is an assessment.

A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The doctor may inquire 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 occurred prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school and in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.

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

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult adhd diagnosis criteria to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis of adhd in adults. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people grew up. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can 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. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members, friends and others who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about how to get diagnosed with adhd in adulthood to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it's thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough to find and keep a job. They also have a tougher time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.

It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.