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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may 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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial. Symptoms If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores. Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You may be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in an assessment. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The provider may ask 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 have continued to impact your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions. You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup. For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways. According to research the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder. Diagnosis A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday activities. People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression. Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an altered approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments. In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems. ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The person could also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and conduct physical examination. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size could have provided additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions. Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD. It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are controlled. adult diagnosis of adhd with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.