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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed 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 should affect everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Signs and symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances. Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment. A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school, and in your social relationships. You could miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for a checkup. People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. According to adult adhd diagnosis uk and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase your risk. Diagnosis A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, a review of medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to daily life functions. People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties 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. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments. For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to do a variety of things at once. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems. The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life, they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They can't manage all the balls that are flying 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 health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who know the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities. Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners. In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated 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 examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.