Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their 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 must interfere with everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. 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 keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step to an assessment.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and private adhd diagnosis glasgow symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. The doctor may also inquire 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

In people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You could disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to research, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development adhd diagnosis uk adult. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase of adhd diagnosis the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit 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 impairments in the daily routine.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's add diagnostic criteria adults (you could try this out) and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship issues.

ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life, they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how adhd diagnosed to cope with their symptoms, and how to diagnose adhd in adults to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that 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 are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for 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 with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.