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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores. Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The doctor may inquire about the background of ADHD in your family. 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 age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations which include work, school and social relationships. If your inattention is a significant problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as 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. diagnosis for adhd in adults may interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. Research suggests 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 key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition. Diagnosis A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical background, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or lab tests to identify 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 six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life. People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or ability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings. Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to 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 Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able 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 not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air—pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their 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 or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills. Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage their the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants. Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in 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 ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs. Adults with ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample would have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders. Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a range of comorbidities, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues. All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.