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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 open up treatment options.To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.SymptomsIt could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.adult diagnosis adhd to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.A health professional can detect ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information about your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor may also ask you to provide information about the history of your family members with 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 before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.DiagnosisA health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that 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.People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just an altered way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.Adults may have different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.TreatmentUndiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.Some adults suffering from ADHD may 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 family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.Follow-upA thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.In one study, individuals 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. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.