ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD it is important to get a proper diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you to the possibility of having symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible through an evaluation by a professional. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist.
Symptoms
ADHD affects people of all ages, but the symptoms in adults may look slightly different. It is also possible for people with ADHD to to transform their issues into tools that help them achieve success in their work and relationships.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. To be eligible for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant problems in at least two areas of your life. Trouble keeping your focus on your task or remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
There are online self-tests and rating scales that can help you determine if you might be suffering from ADHD. However the only way to receive a definitive diagnosis is to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist in 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, work, and home. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drugs use, driving record, and how you relate to family and friends. It is crucial to be honest when you're speaking to your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before a diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is crucial to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A physical exam and a complete neurological history will also be given.
If your results show that you have ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. In addition, they could suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will help you learn to manage your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your work environment as well as using planning and organizing apps.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how they have affected your life. They will also ask you about your family history, as ADHD is usually inherited. Your doctor will also perform an examination of your body to rule out medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely undergo an array of psychological tests to determine your functioning and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. Your doctor may also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while on a computer or phone to determine how you perform under different conditions. You might even have an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria that must be met to qualify for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at least six months of symptoms and their significant impact on multiple settings in your life like school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms led to serious problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to realize that a variety of factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can cause certain symptoms as ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know the medications you're taking or taking and if you've had a head injury or illness.
Adults who suffer from ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This form of treatment helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure they don't affect 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 a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or calling your insurance provider to inquire which specialists they cover, or going to an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will refer you to a mental health professional who will perform an exhaustive evaluation and identify the disorder. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the problems you're experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have arisen from being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues you have had previously, such as anxiety disorders or depression.
You are likely to be asked to fill out 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 asking you to indicate how often you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then consider your answers and provide you with a score that indicates whether you should take a look at an official diagnosis.
Your doctor may also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. It may be embarrassing to discuss these issues but your doctor has to know about them so they can assist. Your doctor might want to talk to your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're confronting. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging or accusing you of being a victim. It's simply to help them know how ADHD can affect a person's performance at work or at school.
Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For example a learning disorder or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
adhd assessment for adults may also request to bring any documents that you have, such as performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from your school. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your life as an infant.
Support
If you suspect ADHD, you should consult an expert who can provide an extensive evaluation. These professionals are licensed mental health providers like doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). Many insurance companies provide a list of qualified professionals in the region. You can also contact local support organizations for assistance in finding a good provider.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This covers your work and school performance, as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your doctor may request to speak with your co-workers as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't to question your honesty; it's simply to gain additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have spotty or poor memories, especially from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain as much relevant information as possible to determine the cause.
Depending on your problem, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and increase their power. CBT can be combined with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using several tools on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are neither standardized nor scientifically validated and should only be used as general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they begin to take them for granted. They might think that they're not skilled at something or that it's their own fault that they have trouble keeping their social or work commitments on track. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a result of a personal flaw. With the right treatment, you can gain control over your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This will lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships, as well as a richer life for you and those around you.