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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting 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 must be a major hindrance with your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You could be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. 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 behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The provider may also inquire about your family's history of adhd get diagnosed.

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 cause problems with your daily life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work and in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your obligations. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.

People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.

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

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people developed. 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.

Treatment

People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they might try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.

Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized adhd self diagnosis ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate 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 slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.

It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.