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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect your daily activities, whether at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may 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 in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in a add diagnosis adult.

A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The provider may also ask you to provide information about the history of your family members with 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 affect your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who diagnosed adhd are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or not treated adhd diagnosed in adulthood (discover this info here) can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.

Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.

Adults may experience different symptoms as children. 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 who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.

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 people suffering from ADHD better focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from adhd diagnosis for adults are also at a greater risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, including mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.