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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 offer treatment options. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance 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 be beneficial. Symptoms If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores. Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis. A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor might also ask you to provide information about your family 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 age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions. If your inattention is a significant issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication. For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase your risk. Diagnosis A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities. People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents. Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression. Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. I Am Psychiatry may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or settings. Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs 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. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and they might try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues. The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities. Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants. Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and conduct a physical exam. Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which require treatment. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders. Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic 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 monthly after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.