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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsSome adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may open up options for treatment.To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with your daily activities, whether at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.SymptomsYou may feel like you are not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It’s not your fault. However, it’s important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.A health professional can detect ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social interactions.You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they’re finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.According to research, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.DiagnosisA health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records as well as family medical history. a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant impairments in the daily routine.People who aren’t diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.It’s important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It’s simply a different behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed as they became older. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.TreatmentUndiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot at once. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren’t able to handle all the balls that are flying – pursuing a career and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review a person’s medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.adult adhd diagnosis suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.Follow-upA thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and conduct physical examination.Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a range of comorbidities, including mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.