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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults There are adults who may not be 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 must interfere with everyday functioning at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well. Signs and symptoms It could be that you feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to take on the many tasks in front of you. You may 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 cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step to a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting details about your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor may also ask you about your family's 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 before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school as well as in your social interactions. If your inattention is a major problem, you might miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup. For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways. Research suggests that genetics as well as 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 points increase your risk for this condition. Diagnosis A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as a review of medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions. People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattentive symptoms. It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's merely a different approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain settings or situations. For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed as they became older. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1. Treatment Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues. The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people with ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep in the air—pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician. how is adhd diagnosed in adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process often includes 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 your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims 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 are at increased risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample size could have provided additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD. It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.