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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could open up 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 daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful. Symptoms It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships. You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup. For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly. According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues 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 help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records as well as family medical history. an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine. Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain settings or situations. For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship problems. The symptoms of the disorder usually remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. As adhd diagnosis uk adults increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep on top of – pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The patient may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with 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 who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues. Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.