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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up treatment options. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial. Signs and symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your medical and mental health 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at school, work and in your social relationships. You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. adhddiagnosis who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money recklessly. According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition. Diagnosis A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life. Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents. Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. They may also rely on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations. For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people 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 People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they may try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems. The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with them do not know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They can't manage all the balls that are flying – pursuing a career and caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family, friends and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities. Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician. Certain 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 school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body. Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships. In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD. It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.