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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 could offer treatment options. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Symptoms If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem that 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 as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores. Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. 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 mental and medical history. The provider may also ask you 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships. You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup. People who suffer from 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 the line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk. Diagnosis A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities. Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents like motor crashes. Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply a different behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings. Adults may experience different symptoms than children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1. Treatment Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues. Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves 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 patient may also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants. Some adults with ADHD might 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 build healthy family, school and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam. Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships. In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size could provide additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues. All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.