ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. This will help you manage symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self assessment tools can alert you to the fact that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires an assessment by a specialist. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms can be different for adults. Adults with ADHD can also use their symptoms to help them succeed at work and in relationships.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been established, the symptoms must be present from childhood and cause difficulties in two different areas of life. Trouble keeping your attention to your work or remembering things are two 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 have ADHD. The only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to see an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
When you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, highlighting the way your illness has affected your school, work and family life. They'll also inquire about your drug and alcohol use, driving record and how you interact with your family and friends. It's important to be honest with your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD cover up or cover up their symptoms from others due to being afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Before a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is important to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A detailed neurological history and physical examinations should be also conducted.
If your results suggest that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor might prescribe medication. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also recommend that you make changes to your work environment and use tools for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will take an extensive history of your symptoms and the time they started and how they've affected your life. The doctor may also ask about your family history as it's common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, as well to determine if there are any medical issues that may be causing ADHD symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
You may be asked to complete an array of tests in the field of psychology which include scales for behavioral ratings to evaluate your functioning. Your doctor may also ask you to complete math or reading tasks using a smartphone or computer to see how you perform under various conditions. You might even have an IQ test to assess your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months and be having significant effects in several areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if your symptoms caused you serious problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to recognize that there are many different things that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, like are all possible causes of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Bring any records of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor must know if you're taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered a head injury.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" for those suffering from ADHD, can be extremely beneficial for adults suffering from this disorder. This form of treatment helps you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't interfere with your ability to function in your daily life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for adults with ADHD. You can find an expert in mental health who is specialized in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, contacting your insurance company to check which specialists they cover or visiting a local support group.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor can refer you to a mental healthcare specialist who will conduct an extensive evaluation and determine the problem. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you're having at home and at work. Your doctor will inquire about any major issues you have faced, such as being dismissed or failing in a class. Your doctor will ask about your family history and any previous health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
You will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This test is around five minutes long and includes 18 questions that require you to rate the frequency 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 seek an official diagnosis.
Your doctor will also inquire about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to discuss these issues but your doctor has to know about it so they can assist. In certain instances your doctor may want to talk to your coworkers or teachers to learn more about the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blames you. It's just to help them better understand how ADHD can affect someone's performance at work or at school.
Your doctor might recommend psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example a learning disorder or mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical issues.
adhd assessments for adults may also request to bring any documents that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent, but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at the time.
Support
If you think you may have ADHD It is crucial to speak with a professional. They can conduct a complete evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers, such as doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists and neurologists, or family doctors). A lot of insurance plans offer lists of licensed professionals in your region, and you can also contact local support groups for assistance in finding a suitable service.
Your clinician will also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your daily life. This includes your work and school performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of 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 a way to question your sincerity; it's just to get more details. Many adults with ADHD suffer from poor or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is crucial to collect the most information you can before making the diagnosis.
Based on the issue you're having, your specialist may suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help people with ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and develop their strengths. CBT can be combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment.
In the meantime, while you wait for a professional assessment, there are several tools available on the Internet which allow you to assess your own symptoms. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a range of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated, and should be used only for general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to be so comfortable with their problems, they tend to take them for granted. They might think that they're simply not proficient at certain things or that it's their responsibility for not maintaining their work or social commitments on track. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a fault of the individual. If you are treated properly, you can get back control over your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as an improved quality of life for you and others around you.