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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as Full File could give possibilities for treatment. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful. Symptoms If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. 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 may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step to an assessment. A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple environments, including at school, work, and in your social interactions. You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication. For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You might disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk. Diagnosis A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of daily life functions. Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, drug 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 could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression. Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments. In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people grew up. Adults who suffer from 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 struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems. The symptoms of the disorder usually remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities. Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. 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 might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However, the size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample might have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders. Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues. It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.