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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can 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, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful. Signs and symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances. Iam Psychiatry to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You may be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis. A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. 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 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 settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social relationships. If your inattention is a serious problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive 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 such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication. In people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner. According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the risk for this condition. Diagnosis A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and a review of medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings. Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships. ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to manage all the balls at once working on a job and taking care of family members as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships. A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities. Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body. Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse. Adults with ADHD have a tough finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues. It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.