ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self assessment tools can help you recognize that you may be suffering from symptoms common to adult ADHD however, a valid diagnosis requires an assessment by a qualified. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD affects people of all ages, but the symptoms in adults might appear different. It is also possible for people with ADHD to be able to transform their issues 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 a diagnosis, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. Trouble keeping your attention on your task or remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
There are online self-tests or rating scales that can help you determine if you may be suffering from ADHD. However, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance's online directory.
When you go to see an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric records going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have affected your work, school and family life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drugs you use, your driving history, and what your relationship with family and friends been. It's essential to be open with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid embarrassment or criticism. 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 can cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required.
If your results show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor will likely prescribe medications. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to aid you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your work environment and utilizing software for planning and organizing.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms that include when they first began and how they have affected your life. The doctor may also ask about your family history, since it's common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will do a physical exam, in addition to rule out any medical problems that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues.
You may be asked to complete a series tests in the field of psychology that include behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your functioning. You could be asked to perform reading or math tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to determine how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to assess your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines that must be met for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. These include the presence of at least six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various settings in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms led to a significant amount of trouble before age 12.
It's important to understand that many different things can cause or mimic ADHD. For example, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Bring Main Page of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you are taking any medications and whether you've ever suffered an injury to your head.
Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy" in the case of ADHD, can be extremely beneficial for adults suffering from this disorder. This treatment can help you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or used alone for adults with ADHD. You can locate an expert in mental health who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, calling your insurance company to check for the specialists they cover, or going to a local support group.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor will refer you to a mental health professional who will carry out an extensive evaluation and determine the condition. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major problems that have resulted from being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history and any health issues you have had previously like depression or an anxiety disorder.
You will likely be asked to fill out a questionnaire like the Adult 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. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a an overall score that will indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also ask about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties, but it is important for your doctor to be aware about them to assist you. In certain instances, your doctor will want to talk to your coworkers or teachers to learn more about the issues you are having. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blaming you. It's simply to help them know how ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or in school.
Your doctor may also recommend that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor might also ask that you bring any records that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your life as when you were a child.
Support
If you suspect you have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can conduct an exhaustive evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family physicians). A lot of insurance plans offer lists of qualified professionals in your region, and you can also contact local support groups to assist in finding an appropriate provider.
In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes work and school performance as well as other aspects of your life. Your doctor may request to talk to your colleagues, teachers, or request 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, particularly from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain as much pertinent information as possible to establish a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you are facing depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and maximize their strengths. CBT is often combined with medication for ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using various tools available on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number 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 familiar with their challenges, they tend to take them for granted. They may assume 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 reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a result of a personal flaw. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control over your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This could lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships, as well as a better life for yourself and others around you.