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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults might not be aware of their 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 must significantly interfere with your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial. Signs and symptoms It could be that you feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You might be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is an assessment. A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. The provider may ask about the history 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions. You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication. For Iam Psychiatry with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner. Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through 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 professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and an examination of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations. Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, the symptoms 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 on track, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships. ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life, they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air – pursuing a career and taking care of family members and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs. Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders. Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can cause number of comorbid conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD. It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.