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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults might not be 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 interfere with daily functioning, at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial. Signs and symptoms It could be that you feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances. Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger despair, and the 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 struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your mental and medical history. The doctor might inquire 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 continue to cause problems with your daily life. You should also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments such as school, work and social relationships. You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for checkups. For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You could disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money recklessly. According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the risk for this condition. Diagnosis A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may 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 life activities. Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents. Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations. Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships. Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships. A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual capabilities. Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage an impulsive behaviour. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants. Some adults with ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination. Many people with ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs. how to get an adhd diagnosis with ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size could provide additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD. It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.