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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may 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 activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial. Signs and symptoms You may feel like you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances. Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss 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 an assessment. A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school and in your social interactions. You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication. In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations worse. You might interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner. Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from 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 with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and reviewing medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine. People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression. Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations. Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs 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 make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they might try to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues. The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life, they may have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for their family and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships. A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and 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 checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities. Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD. Follow-up A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse. Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships. In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, including mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems. All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.