ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you suspect that you might have ADHD it is important to receive a diagnosis. This will be the first step to managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the possibility of having symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However the diagnosis is only possible through an evaluation by a professional. This could be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone at any age, however the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. It is also possible for people with ADHD to to turn their problems into tools that allow them to achieve success in their work and relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be eligible for an assessment, the symptoms must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things.
If you think you have symptoms of ADHD there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help determine if you may be suffering from the disorder. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist through the online directory of your health insurance.
They'll review your medical background including your childhood and how your health issues have affected your daily life at school as well as at work and at home. They will also ask about your alcohol and drug use, driving record, and how you interact with family and friends. It's essential to be open with your examiner. Adults with ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, including seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be considered 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, then your doctor may prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also suggest that you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize software for planning and organizing to help you become more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how it has affected your life. They might also inquire about your family history as it's common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely go through an array of psychological tests to evaluate your performance such as behavioral rating scales. Your doctor might also ask you to do math or reading tasks on a computer or phone to see how you perform in various situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been 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 be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12.
It's important to realize that a variety of factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, like can all trigger 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 also need to know which medications you're taking, if any, and if you've ever suffered a head injury or illness.
Adults who struggle with ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment aids in developing better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't interfere with your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a specialist in mental health who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. You can also join an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare professional should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can conduct a full assessment to diagnose your disorder. During your appointment, be honest about the difficulties you're experiencing at work as well as at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major issues you've faced, such as being dismissed or failing a class. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You are likely to be asked to complete some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to fill out and is comprised of 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency with which you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. adult adhd assessment will then consider your answers and provide you with a score that indicates whether you should take a look at a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also ask about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. It can be embarrassing to discuss these issues but your doctor has to know so that they can help. Your doctor may want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blaming you. It is simply to help them understand how ADHD can affect someone's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor might recommend psychological tests to rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a mood disorder or a learning disorder. You could also undergo an examination for physicals to ensure that there aren't any medical issues that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, including old reports or performance evaluations from your workplace. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child but they weren't severe enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can conduct a full assessment. These professionals are licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists or neurologist family doctors). A lot of insurance plans have lists of professionals who are qualified in your area, and you can also reach out to local support groups for help in finding a suitable service.
In addition to taking a thorough medical history, your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't a way to doubt your integrity; it's just to get more details. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from weak or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It's important to get as much information as possible before making the diagnosis.
Depending on your problem Your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) A treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and increase their power. CBT may be combined with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using a variety of tools available on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated, and should only be used for general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people so used to their difficulties that they begin to take them for granted. They may think that they're not skilled at something or that it's their fault that they have trouble maintaining their work or social commitments on track. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a fault of the individual. If you are treated properly, however, you can regain control over your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This can result in greater success in your career and personal relationships, as well as a more meaningful life for your family and friends who are around you.