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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can give options for treatment. 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 activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial. Symptoms If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel that you can't manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis. A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The provider may also inquire about the history of your family members with 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at work, school as well as in your social interactions. You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups. For Our Site with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly. Research suggests that genetics as well as 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 problems with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase your risk. Diagnosis A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities. Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible or even just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety. Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they rely on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or environments. Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth 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 and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems. ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships. A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess working memory, executive function and spatial and visual skills. Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control 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. People who have certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with 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 how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like 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 conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties 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. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions. Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues. It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.