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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer 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 daily functioning, at home, at work, 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 suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living 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 could be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. The provider may ask about the history 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple environments, including at work, school, and in your social interactions. If your inattention is a serious problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for a checkup. For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly. According to research the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk. Diagnosis A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialist may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday activities. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations. Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and problems with relationships. The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep in the air—pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who know the person and 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 for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial abilities. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants. Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. diagnosed with adhd as an adult will also review your past 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, that need to be treated. In fact, it's thought 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 also are at a higher risk of substance abuse. Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners. In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was not large. 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 that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD. It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.