ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you might have ADHD it is important to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step towards managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you that you may have symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis can only be made with a professional evaluation. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects people of all ages, however symptoms in adults might appear different. Adults with ADHD can also use their symptoms to help succeed at work and in relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. For a diagnosis to be established, the symptoms must be present from childhood and cause difficulties in two different areas of daily life. Having a hard time keeping your attention to your work or remembering things are two examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
If you think you have symptoms of ADHD, there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help determine if you may be suffering from the disorder. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to speak with an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral or search online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
When you go to see an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric records going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have affected your school, work and home life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drugs usage, driving history and how you relate to your family and friends. It is crucial to be honest when speaking to your examiner. Many people with ADHD cover up or deny their symptoms to others because they're embarrassed or fearful of criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and must be checked out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is made. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required.
If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor may prescribe medication. Additionally, they might suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your work environment and using software for planning and organizing.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms and the time they began and how they've affected your life. The doctor will also ask you about your family history as ADHD is often passed down through the family. Your doctor will also perform physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely undergo an array of psychological tests to evaluate your performance and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. You could be asked to complete reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to assess your performance in different situations. You may even be given an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months and be having a significant impact in multiple areas of your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will also want to know whether your symptoms led to a significant amount of problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to realize that a variety of factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues and certain medications, for instance can all trigger some of the symptoms similar to ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will want to know if you're taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered a head injury.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or used on its own for adults with ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or calling your insurance company to inquire which specialists they cover, or going to an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary health care provider if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you are experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will be looking for any major problems that have resulted, such as being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor may also inquire about family history and previous health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to fill out and is comprised of 18 questions that ask you to indicate how often you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and give you a score that indicates whether you need to take a look at an official diagnosis.
Your doctor will also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to discuss these issues however, your doctor needs to know about it so that they can help. In some instances, your doctor will want to talk to your coworkers or your teachers to learn more about the challenges you are having. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you; more so, it's to aid them in understanding how ADHD can affect a person's ability to function at work or in school.
Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For example a learning disorder or mood disorder. adhd assessment test for adults may also undergo an examination to ensure that there aren't any medical conditions that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor may also ask to bring any documents that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from school. Your doctor will also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your life as a child.
Support
If you suspect ADHD, you should consult an expert who can provide an extensive evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). Many insurance plans provide a list of qualified professionals in the region. You can also contact local support organizations for help in finding a suitable provider.
In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your physician will ask you about your symptoms and the issues they cause in your life. This includes work and school performance as well as other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may ask to speak with your co-workers or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, but to get additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from weak or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather as much information as you can before making an assessment.
Based on the issue you are facing depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles and maximize their strengths. CBT could be coupled with medication to treat ADHD.
In the meantime, while you wait for a professional evaluation There are many tools on the Internet that allow you to evaluate your own symptoms. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardised nor are they scientifically validated, and should only be used as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become comfortable with their problems, they tend to take them for granted. They may think that they're just not doing their best or that it is their fault that they can't keep up with their social or work commitments. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a fault of the individual. If you are treated properly, you can gain control over your ADHD and turn it into something positive. This can lead to more success in your career and personal relationships and an improved quality of life for you and your family members.