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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 affect your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem 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 take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from diagnosing adhd. It's important to recognize that there are solutions how to get diagnosed with adhd as a woman overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The provider 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations which include work, school and social interactions.

You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as an examination of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or as a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.

Adults may have different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed adhd who can diagnose may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.

ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who diagnosed adhd suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric 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 suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult managing their finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size would have provided more details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.