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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can provide possibilities for treatment. 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, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Symptoms You might feel that you're not living up to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not a problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step to an assessment. A health professional can identify ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The provider may also inquire about your family's 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 to affect your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions. If your inattention is a significant issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup. For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly. According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition. Diagnosis A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule 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 result in significant impairment of everyday life activities. Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also rely on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings. Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, adhd diagnosis adults uk ADHD Diagnosis 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. Treatment Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems. ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of – pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities. Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly 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 may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you about your or children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse. Adults with ADHD have a tough finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing their finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships. In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided more information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD. It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.