ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This will be the first step to managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you might have symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible through an assessment by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone of all ages, but the symptoms may be different for adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their problems into tools that allow them to succeed in work and relationships.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. To be able to receive an assessment, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like having trouble in focusing on a task or forgetting things.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD There are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help determine if you may be suffering from the disorder. However the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to see an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary physician for a recommendation or look online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory.
They will review your medical history including your childhood and how your health issues affected your schooling as well as at work and at home. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug usage, driving history and how you interact with family and friends. It is essential to be honest when you're speaking to your examiner. Many adults with ADHD hide or cover up their symptoms from others because they're embarrassed or fearful of criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and should be ruled out before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history will also be provided.
If your tests show that you have ADHD your doctor will likely prescribe medications. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral treatments to assist you in managing your ADHD. They might also suggest that you make changes to your work environment and use planning and organizing apps to make you more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct complete notes on your symptoms that include when they first began and how they have 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 perform physical examinations as well, to rule out any medical conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid issues.
You'll likely go through a series of psychological tests to determine your performance such as behavioral rating scales. You might be asked to complete reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to see your performance in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test in order to determine your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms and a significant impact on multiple settings in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms led to serious problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to understand that a variety of factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, for instance are all possible causes of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know what medications you're taking, if any and if you've suffered a head injury or illness.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment helps you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used alone or as a supplement to medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your primary care doctor to recommend you to a mental health specialist who treats adults with ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. Or, visit an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health who can conduct a full assessment to diagnose your condition. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you're having at home and at work. The doctor will ask you about any major issues you've had to face like being dismissed or failing a class. Your doctor will also ask about your family history and prior health issues, like depression or anxiety.
You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to complete and is comprised of 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then consider your answers and give you scores that indicate whether you need to seek an official diagnosis.
Additionally the doctor will be looking for the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. adult adhd assessment private may be embarrassing to talk about these problems, but your doctor needs to know so they can assist. In certain instances, your doctor will want to talk to your coworkers or teachers to find out more about the issues you're experiencing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blames you. It is simply to help them better comprehend how ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor may also recommend to undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example a learning disability or mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical examination to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical issues.
Your doctor may request any records, including old reports or performance appraisals at work. Your doctor will also want to know if your ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your daily life as when you were a child.
Support
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is essential to seek out an expert. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers like doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family doctors). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in finding a good provider.
In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your physician will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the difficulties they cause in your daily life. This includes school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your life. Your physician may decide to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not a way to determine your honesty or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more details. Many people with ADHD have poor 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're facing, your physician might suggest other diagnostic methods like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids people with ADHD overcome their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT can be combined with medications for ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using a variety of tools available on Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated, and should only be used to provide general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people so used to their difficulties that they take them for granted. They might think that they are just not doing their best or that it's their fault for not being able to keep up with their work or social commitments. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's fault or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. You can, however, gain control over your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and turn it into an effective force. This will lead to greater satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as a richer life for you and others around you.