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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could give options for treatment. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well. 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 responsibilities you have and feel that you can't get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis. A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information regarding your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work, and in your social interactions. You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. According to research the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk. Diagnosis A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities. People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Women are generally better in securing 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 inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations. Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships. ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of – pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In adhd diagnostic are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size would provide additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions. Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD. It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.