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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 may open up options for treatment. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect your daily activities, whether at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well. Symptoms You may feel like you're not performing to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may 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 may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step in a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. The provider may 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments which include work, school and social interactions. You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly. According to research the genetics and the environment play a significant 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 key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder. Diagnosis A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life. Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity. It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations. In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they developed. However, symptoms 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues. ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient could be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities. Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor. Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as 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. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. IamPsychiatry with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems. Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.