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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may provide 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 work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial. Signs and 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 feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores. Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis. A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. 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 psychiatric background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different environments which include work, school and social relationships. You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups. People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder. Diagnosis A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that 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 untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. adult adhd diagnoses can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, 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 by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a poor employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety. Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or ability. It's just a different way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain settings or situations. Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, the symptoms 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 People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety, depression or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they may try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship problems. ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep on top of – pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships. A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities. Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants. Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also have 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 managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could provide additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues. It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.