ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and gain control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you to the possibility of having symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However the diagnosis can only be made with an assessment by a professional. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help them achieve success at work and in relationships.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues such as difficulty focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
There are adhd assessment adult -tests online or rating scales that can aid in determining if you may be suffering from ADHD. However the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to see an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist through the online directory of your health insurance.
They will go over your medical background including your childhood and how your symptoms have affected your daily life at school, work, and home. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug usage, driving history and how you relate to your family and friends. It's important to be honest with your examiner. Many adults with ADHD are unable to conceal or cover up their symptoms from others because they're embarrassed or fearful of criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before the diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history are also required.
If your tests show that you have ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other treatments that will assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They might also suggest you make changes to your work environment and use planning and organizing apps to help you become more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct an extensive history of your symptoms and the time they began and how they have affected your life. They may also ask about your family history, since it's common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor may also conduct a physical examination to rule out medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
You'll likely go through a series of psychological tests to assess your functioning and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. Your doctor may also ask you to perform math or reading exercises using a smartphone or computer to determine how you perform in various situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to assess your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines that must be met for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months consecutively and have a significant impact in multiple areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms led to a significant amount of trouble before age 12.
It's important to understand that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for example, can all cause some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you're taking any medications and if you have ever suffered a head injury.
Adults who suffer from ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment method helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't affect your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used alone for people suffering from ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults suffering from ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, calling your insurance provider to inquire on what specialists they cover or by visiting an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor may refer you to a mental healthcare specialist who will conduct a full evaluation and diagnose the problem. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the problems you're having at work and home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major problems that have resulted in being dismissed from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past such as anxiety disorders or depression.
You will probably be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire is approximately five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions that require you to rate the frequency at that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and give you a score that indicates whether you should consider seeking a formal diagnosis.
Additionally, your doctor will inquire about the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. It can be embarrassing to talk about these problems however, your doctor needs to know about them so that they can help. Your doctor may suggest that you discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers in order to understand the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you or blaming you. It is simply to help them better know the ways ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at work or in school.
Your doctor might also suggest to undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your doctor may also ask to bring any documents that you have, such as performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from school. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child however they weren't serious enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can provide an exhaustive assessment. These professionals are licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists and neurologists, or family physicians). Many insurance companies provide the names of qualified professionals in the area. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in locating a suitable provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and the issues they create in your life. This includes school and work performance, relationships and other aspects of your life. Your physician may decide to speak with colleagues and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, it's to get additional information. Many adults with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, especially from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much pertinent information as possible to make a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you are facing Your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that helps people with ADHD overcome obstacles and increase their power. CBT can be combined with medication for ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using a variety of tools on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated, and should only be used to provide general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to be so familiar with their challenges, they tend to take them for granted. They might think that they're simply not skilled at something or that it's their fault for having trouble keeping their work or social commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by a personal failure or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. With the right treatment, you can get back control over your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This will bring you greater success in your job, improved personal relationships and a more fulfilling life for those who are around you.