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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could give possibilities for treatment. 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, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well. Symptoms If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances. Your inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis. A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical 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 before age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at work, school, and in your social relationships. If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication. For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in 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 an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the risk for this condition. Diagnosis A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialist may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine. People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like 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 colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments. In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people grew up. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1. Treatment People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. 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 struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems. ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of – pursuing an occupation, 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 specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. diagnosis adhd can be used to test executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities. Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor. Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse. Adults who suffer from 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 at increased risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships. In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could have provided additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD. All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.