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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can 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 life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is the process of diagnosing.

Read Far more  can be performed by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.

In people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.

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.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they may try to do a variety of things at once. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.

Symptoms of the disorder often 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 everyday life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for their family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

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

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample might provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.