11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Diagnosis Of ADHD

Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may 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 interfere with everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

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

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor might also inquire 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social relationships.

You may be late for appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.

For those with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You could interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday activities.

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

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.

Adults may experience different symptoms than children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.

ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people with ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. 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 housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam here 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 for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new 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 diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.