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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options. 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 life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial. Symptoms You might feel that you are not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is to make a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also ask you 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings which include work, school and social interactions. If your inattention is a major issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult of ADHD typically run in the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing. 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 review of medical history, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify 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 cause significant impairments in daily life. People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they rely on methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations. For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could 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 Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do a variety of things at once. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems. ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people with ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who know the person, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities. Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and perform a physical exam. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample could provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders. Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues. All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.