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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many 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 life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful. Symptoms You may feel like you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances. Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step to a diagnosis. A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The doctor may 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 affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple environments, including at school, work as well as in your social relationships. You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups. People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder. Diagnosis A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions. People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety. Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations. Adults may have different symptoms than children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1. Treatment Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues. ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities. Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. adult adhd diagnosis uk can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct physical examination. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs. Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships. In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders. Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues. All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.