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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsSome adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may provide 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 daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.Signs and symptomsIf you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.A health professional can detect ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work and in your social relationships.You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.DiagnosisA health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, reviewing medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.adult adhd diagnoses may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.TreatmentUndiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and they might try to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life, they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members and juggling with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.Follow-upA thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would provide additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can cause range of comorbidities, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.