ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis if you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD. This will be the first step to controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis is only possible with an evaluation by a professional. This can be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD affects people of all ages, but symptoms in adults might appear different. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to to turn their symptoms into tools to help them succeed in relationships and work.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the signs must have been present since childhood and continue to cause significant problems in at least two different areas of your life. Trouble keeping your focus to your work or remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
If you suspect you may 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 consult a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance.
When you go to see an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric records going back to childhood, including how your symptoms have affected your work, school and family life. They'll also ask you about any drug or alcohol use, your driving history, and what your relationships with your family and friends have been. assessment adhd adults to be honest with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before the diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is important to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A thorough neurological history and a physical exam will also be conducted.
If your results show that you suffer from ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. In addition, they could recommend psychotherapy or other treatments that will assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also suggest you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize tools for planning and organizing to help you become more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to determine the presence of 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 is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizures.
You will likely be asked to take several psychological tests which include scales for behavioral ratings to evaluate your performance. Your doctor may also ask you to complete reading or math tasks while using a smartphone or computer to determine how you perform under different conditions. You may even take an IQ test to assess your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines which must be met in order to get the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six consecutive months and be having an impact on multiple areas of your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if your symptoms caused you serious problems prior to the age of 12.
It is important to recognize that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, like can all trigger some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
If you have any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will want to know if you're taking any medications or if you have ever suffered a head injury.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" for those suffering from ADHD is beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This treatment aids in developing more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be combined with medication or utilized on its own for adults with ADHD. You can find an expert in mental health who specializes in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or calling your insurance company to inquire on what specialists they cover or visiting an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health that can conduct a full assessment to determine the cause of your condition. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you are experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will ask about any major problems you've faced, such as being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
You may be asked to complete an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to complete and consists of 18 questions that ask you to rate how often you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and provide you with a a score indicating whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
In addition the doctor will be looking for the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to discuss these issues however, your doctor needs to know about it so that they can help. In some instances your doctor may want to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the issues you are having. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging or blaming you. It is simply to help them know how ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example a mood disorder or learning disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your doctor may ask you to bring any documents, like old reports or performance evaluations from your workplace. It's also helpful for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with a professional who can perform a full evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans provide a list of qualified professionals in the region. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in locating a suitable provider.
Your clinician will also ask you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they impact your life. This includes work and school performance as well as other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, but to gain additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from their childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much relevant information as possible to make a diagnosis.
Based on your specific issue, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and maximize their strengths. CBT can be combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment.
If you're waiting for a professional evaluation, there are several tools on the Internet that let you assess your own symptoms. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a range of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated and should only be used to provide general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they overlook them. They may assume that they're not good at things or that it's their responsibility for not keeping their work or social commitments on track. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's fault or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. However, you can regain control over your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into an effective force. This will lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships and an improved quality of life for you and those around you.