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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide 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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful. Symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your responsibilities. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores. Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment. A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. The doctor may also ask you to provide information about your family history of 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 cause problems with your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions. You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You might disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly. According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk. Diagnosis A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that share 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 are causing significant impairments in the daily routine. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents. Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations. Adults may experience 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 People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they may try to do many things at once. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues. ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, 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 assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial abilities. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician. how do i get an adhd diagnosis IamPsychiatry suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, 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. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam. Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would provide additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD. It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.