https://andersen-curry-2.blogbright.net/a-productive-rant-about-treat-adhd-without-medication-adults Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment In most cases, a complete ADHD diagnosis will take at minimum two hours. This will typically involve a semi-structured interview and psychoeducation regarding the condition (including in a simple language) and discussion of the impact of symptoms on education, employment and social/family life including driving. Symptoms The signs of ADHD are characterized by difficulties in paying attention and staying organized, as well as managing emotions. These issues affect many aspects of daily life, including work or school, and also relationships with friends or family members. For a diagnosis of adult ADHD, several inattentive symptoms and at least one hyperactive-impulsive symptom must have been present before age 12. The symptoms also must cause significant impairments in at least two or more settings in everyday life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association contains clinical guidelines for diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. A trained psychologist or psychiatrist will ask the patient to provide a detailed account of the symptoms, including their time of onset and duration. They will also inquire about what problems these symptoms caused in the person's job, school or social life. In addition to assessing core ADHD symptoms it is important to look for other mental health disorders that are often co-occurring with ADHD or mimic the symptoms (e.g., anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder). The assessment should ask about the person's mood, medical history, and any past medication usage. A person could be screened for physical or somatic conditions that could be a symptom of ADHD, such as headaches, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. These conditions are usually discovered to be co-morbid. It is essential to make sure that the symptoms of ADHD