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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of 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 activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

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

A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. 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 experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to 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 may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.

For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety, depression or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do many things at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--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 health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with adhd who can diagnose may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as adhd Symptoms for diagnosis.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience 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. They could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that require treatment. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder managing their finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample might provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and can result in a range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.