ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This will be the first step in managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible through an evaluation by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD affects people of all ages, but the symptoms in adults might appear different. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help succeed at work and in relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to receive a diagnosis, the signs must have been present 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 two examples of problems 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 you determine whether or not you might have the disorder. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary doctor for a recommendation or look online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory.
If you visit 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 impacted your work, school and home life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drugs you usage, driving history and what your relationships with family and friends have been. It is essential to be honest when speaking to your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD hide or cover up their symptoms from others because they're afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before the diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is crucial to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A thorough neurological history and physical examinations will also be conducted.
If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD, your doctor may prescribe medications. In addition, they could suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also recommend that you make changes to your workplace and employ tools for planning and organizing to make you more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will take a comprehensive history of your symptoms that include when they first began and how they've affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your family history, as ADHD is often passed down through the family. Your doctor will also perform physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
You may be asked to complete a series tests for your psychological health which include scales for behavioral ratings to evaluate your performance. You might be asked to complete math or reading tasks using a computer, phone or tablet to determine how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test in order to determine your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months consecutively and have an impact on multiple areas of your life such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know whether your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12.
It's important to recognize that there are many different factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can all cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
If you have any documentation from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor must know if you're taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered an injury to your head.
Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy" for those suffering from ADHD is beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This type of treatment can help you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms and ensure that they don't hinder your ability to function in 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, calling your insurance company to check for the specialists they cover or by visiting an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health that will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your disorder. During your appointment, be open about the issues you are having at work and at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major problems you have faced like being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and prior health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
You may be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to fill out and comprises 18 questions asking you to rate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and give you an assessment that will indicate whether you should seek an official diagnosis.
Your doctor will also ask about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. It may be embarrassing to talk about these problems however, your doctor needs to know about them so that they can assist. In certain instances your doctor may decide to speak with your coworkers or your teachers to learn more about the challenges you are having. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging your behavior; more so, it's to aid them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect a person's ability to function at work or in school.
Your doctor may also recommend that you get psychological tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or a mood disorder. You could also undergo an examination to make sure that there are no medical issues that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor may ask you to bring along any documents, like old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at the time.
Support
If you suspect ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can conduct an exhaustive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance companies provide the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also seek out local support organizations for assistance in locating a suitable provider.
In private adult adhd assessment to obtaining a thorough medical history, your clinician will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the difficulties they cause in your life. This includes work and school performance, relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may request to talk to your coworkers as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, but to gain additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, particularly from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain as much pertinent information as possible to determine the cause.
Based on the issue you are facing Your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and harness their strength. CBT may be coupled with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using various tools available on Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are not tested or validated scientifically and should only be used as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become comfortable with their problems that they begin to take them for granted. They may think that they are just not good enough or that it's their fault for not being able to keep up with their social or work commitments. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by an individual's failure or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. With the right treatment, you can get back control of your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This could lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships and a better life for yourself and your family members.