ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It's important to receive an accurate diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and gain control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires an assessment by a specialist. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect people at any age, however the symptoms may be different for adults. It is also possible for people with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to achieve success in their work and relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be diagnosed, recognized, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause significant problems in two areas of daily life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble in focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
There are self-tests online or rating scales that can help you determine if may be suffering from ADHD. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary doctor for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
When you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric records going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss the way your illness has affected your work, school and personal life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drug use, your driving history, and what your relationships with family and friends have been. It's essential to be honest with your examiner. Many people with ADHD cover up or cover up their symptoms from others because they're scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, including seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations will be also conducted.
If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to assist you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your work environment and using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
To diagnose ADHD, a professional evaluation is required. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms, including when they first began and how they've affected your life. He or she might also inquire about your family history as it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination to rule out medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. This includes thyroid issues or seizures.
You'll likely be asked to complete several tests in the field of psychology which include scales for behavioral ratings to evaluate your performance. You might be asked to perform reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to determine how you perform in different situations. You might even have an IQ test to assess your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines which must be met in order to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six consecutive months and be having significant effects in several areas of your life such as school or work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms led to significant problems before the age of 12.
It is important to recognize that many different factors can cause or mimic ADHD. For instance, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor must know if you are taking any medications and if you have ever suffered a head injury.
Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy" in the case of ADHD is beneficial for adults who are struggling with this disorder. This type of treatment can help you learn better 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 alone or in conjunction with medication for adults with ADHD. Consult your primary care doctor to refer you to a mental health professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. Visit an area support group.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary health care provider in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your disorder. During your visit, you should be open about the issues you're experiencing at work as well as at home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have arisen in being dismissed from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and any previous health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
You may be asked to complete a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This test is around five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then consider your answers and provide you with an assessment that will indicate whether you should consider seeking an official diagnosis.
Your doctor will also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues however it is essential for your doctor to know about them so they can help you. In some instances your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the challenges you are having. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, rather, it is to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at work or school.
Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For instance the learning disorder or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, including old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. Your doctor will also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your life as a child.
adhd adult assessment
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD It is crucial to consult an expert. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also reach out to local support organizations for assistance in finding a good provider.
In addition to taking a thorough medical history, your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your daily life. This includes work and school performance, relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may wish to talk with co-workers and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, it's to gather additional information. Many adults with ADHD have spotty or poor memories, particularly from their childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much relevant information as possible to determine the cause.
Based on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which can help people with ADHD learn to manage their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be paired with medication to help with ADHD treatment.
If you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools on the Internet which allow you to evaluate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are neither tested or validated scientifically and should be used only as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become familiar with their challenges that they begin to take them for granted. They may think that they're just 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 the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. With the right treatment, you can get back control of your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This will bring you greater success in your career, improved personal relationships and an improved quality of life for you and those who are around you.