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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer treatment options. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial. Symptoms If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores. Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step in a diagnosis. A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor may 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions. You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups. In relevant site with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk. Diagnosis A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may 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 adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life. Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes. Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an altered behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations. In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems. The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling 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 has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues such as 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 help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other 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, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders. Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD. It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.