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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsMany adults aren't aware of 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 must significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.SymptomsIf you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and mental health background. 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social interactions.If your inattention is a major issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.According to research the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.DiagnosisA health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and reviewing medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people developed. 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 individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As adhd diagnosis uk www.iampsychiatry.uk increase in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members and juggling with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine working memory, executive function and spatial and visual abilities.Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.Certain adults 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 how to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.Follow-upA thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample could have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.