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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 may offer 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 activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk adult diagnosis of adhd can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well. Signs and symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might 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 lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is an assessment. A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental and medical background. The doctor might inquire 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 before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions. If your inattention is a significant issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups. For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly. Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder. Diagnosis A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain settings or situations. Adults may have different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by 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 and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship issues. ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday 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 experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're unable 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 trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities. Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and organize their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants. Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination. Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD. It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.