Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also ask you 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 age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings which include work, school and social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. 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.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis

A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms than children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like anxiety, depression or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their 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 as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In adhd diagnosis in adults , adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent, persistent disorder 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 alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.