ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you may have ADHD it is important to receive a diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may provide you with the knowledge that you might have symptoms common in adult ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires an evaluation by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone at any age, however the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also use their symptoms to help them achieve success at work and in relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the signs must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your attention on your task or remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
There are self-tests online or rating scales that can aid in determining if you might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to consult an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
They will go over your medical background including your childhood and how your health issues affected your schooling, work, and home. They will also ask about your alcohol and drug usage, driving history and how you relate to family and friends. It is essential to be truthful when you are speaking with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Some medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A detailed neurological history and a physical exam will be also conducted.
If your tests show that you have ADHD Your doctor might prescribe medication. Additionally, they might suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will help you learn to manage your ADHD. They might also suggest you make changes to your workplace and employ planning and organizing apps to make you more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how they have affected your life. They might also inquire about your family history, as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body, in addition to rule out any medical problems that may be causing ADHD symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues.
You will likely be asked to take several psychological tests which include scales for behavioral ratings for assessing your functioning. You might be asked to perform math or reading tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to see how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to measure your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. These include having at minimum six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various settings in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms caused you serious problems prior to the age of 12.
It is important to realize that there are many things that can trigger or mimic ADHD. For example, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can cause some of the same symptoms as ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will want to be aware of whether you are taking any medications or the last time you suffered an injury to your head.
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 and ensure that they don't interfere with your ability to function in your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or together with medications for adults suffering from ADHD. You can locate an expert in mental health who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care provider for a referral, contacting your insurance company to inquire for the specialists they cover or by visiting a local support group.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can conduct a full assessment to determine the cause of your condition. During speaking of , you should be honest with your doctor about the issues you're experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will be looking for any major issues that have arisen, such as being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will also ask about your family history and any previous health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
You will probably be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like 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 rate how often you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will take into account your answers and give you an assessment of whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
Additionally the doctor will ask you about the problems you face in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties but it's important for your doctor to be aware about them in order to help you. In certain instances, your doctor will want to talk with your co-workers or teachers to learn more about the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging your behavior; more so, it's to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or school.
Your doctor may also suggest that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or a mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor may also request that you bring any records that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. Your doctor will also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your daily life as when you were a child.
Support
If you suspect ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can conduct an exhaustive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also contact local support groups for assistance in finding a suitable provider.
In addition to taking a thorough medical history, your clinician will also inquire about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes work and school performance, relationships and other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not a way to question your sincerity but to gather more details. Many adults with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood, and it's crucial that your specialist gathers as much pertinent information as possible to establish a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT may be combined with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using various tools on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated and should be used only for general guidance.
Many people with undiagnosed ADHD are so used to their challenges that they tend to take them for granted. They might think that they're not good enough or that it is their fault that they can't keep up with their work or social commitments. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a result of a personal flaw. However, you can regain control over your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and turn it into an asset. This can lead to more success in your career and personal relationships as well as a richer life for you and others around you.