Check Out: How Diagnosis Of ADHD Is Gaining Ground, And What To Do

Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may provide treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair, and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can identify ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental and medical background. The doctor may also ask you to provide information about your family history of 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 interfere with your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You could interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as reviewing medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.

Adults may have different symptoms than children. 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 may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger depression or anxiety. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do many things at once. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once - pursuing a career and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose 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 minimize mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and conduct physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, people 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 sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control.  IamPsychiatry  with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.