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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up treatment options. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial. Symptoms If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores. Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger despair and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may also ask you 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 age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at school, work, and in your social interactions. If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication. For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You could disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. adhd diagnosis adults can cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition. Diagnosis A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are 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 cause significant impairments in daily life. Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression. Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms. It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations. In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could 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 Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they may try to accomplish a lot at once. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships. Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they might have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities. Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants. Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your or your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your body. Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs. Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample could provide additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD. It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.