How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Studies show that 11 to 50 percent of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) carry it into adulthood. As they mature, however, their symptoms evolve and become less externally exhibited but more internally felt. This article will illustrate the common adult ADHD symptoms.

Instructions

1. Gauge any behavior that indicates a short attention span, including frequent distraction, failure to complete tasks, regular forgetfulness, disorganization, lack of focus and frustration with boredom or quiet activity.

2. Watch for anti-social manners such as impatience while waiting one's turn, interrupting or interfering with others, exclaiming the answer before the question is finished and failing to notice when being spoken to directly.

3. Search for signs of low self esteem, including a sense of insecurity, a skewed view of one's self worth, excessive worrying, devaluing accomplishments and a general feeling of under-achievement. These internal adult ADHD symptoms may be the most difficult to identify.

4. Compare creativity spikes to failure of completion. Many adults with ADHD have creative and intelligent minds but tend to start too many projects at once and then usually fail to complete them, struggle with the required procedures or misplace the materials necessary for the task.

5. Assess the person's overall performance in academics, the work place and personal relationships. Studies show that adults with ADHD reach a lower socioeconomic status but tend to have more divorces, car accidents, changes in employment and residence and problems relating with others.

6. Get a comprehensive examination from a physician who will extensively evaluate adult ADHD symptoms and test for any medical conditions that could cause symptoms.

7. Know that the likelihood of ADHD increases if immediate family members have it or if the person has a substance addiction, learning disability, depression, anxiety or antisocial disorder.

Tips & Warnings

• No single test can identify ADHD. The cause is still unknown, but many treatment options exist.

Resources

• Review comprehensive ADHD diagnosis and treatment recommendations from the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Explore homeopathic treatment options for ADHD at Native Remedies.