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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can open up options for treatment. 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, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Signs and symptoms You may feel like you're not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You might be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis. A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions. If your inattention is a significant issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups. People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder. Diagnosis A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities. People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety. Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. IamPsychiatry may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or ability. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations. In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they grew up. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships. ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family as well as 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 involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills. Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician. Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct physical examination. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs. Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. 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 have bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners. In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would provide additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues. All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.