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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult could provide possibilities for treatment. 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 work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Signs and symptoms If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You could be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances. Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment. A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and mental health history. 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social relationships. You may miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing. Diagnosis A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents. Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or get diagnosed with adhd might use strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or environments. In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people developed. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed 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, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships. ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep in the air—pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient could be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders. Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD. All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.