ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis. This will be the first step in controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you that you might have symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis is only possible with an assessment by a professional. This could be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, but symptoms in adults might appear different. Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help succeed in their work and relationships.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. For a diagnosis to be established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant issues in two areas of daily life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focussing 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. However the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to visit an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist in your health insurance's online directory.
If you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have affected your work, school and home life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drugs you use, your driving history, and what your relationships with family and friends been. It's important to be open with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Some medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be ruled out before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations should also be performed.
If your tests show that you have ADHD your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your environment as well as using planning and organizing apps.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will take an extensive history of your symptoms that include when they first started and how they've affected your life. They may also ask about your family history, since it's common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will do an examination of your body, in addition to rule out any medical problems that may be causing ADHD symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues.
You may be asked to complete an array of psychological tests that include behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your performance. Your doctor might also ask you to complete math or reading exercises using a phone or computer to see how you perform under different conditions. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to assess your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. adhd assessment adults include having at least six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on a variety of settings in 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's important to understand that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, 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 will also need to know which medications you're taking, if any and if you've had a head injury or illness.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment aids in developing more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or utilized on its own for people suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a mental health professional who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. Or, visit an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health who will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your condition. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the issues you're experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will be looking for any major problems that have arisen in being dismissed from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor may also inquire about your family history and prior health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
You will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to fill out and consists of 18 questions that ask you to indicate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and provide you with an assessment that will indicate whether you should consider seeking a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor may also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. It may be embarrassing to discuss these issues however, your doctor needs to know about them so that they can help. Your doctor might want to speak with your coworkers or teachers to understand the issues you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging or blaming you. It's simply to help them know how ADHD can affect a person's performance at work or at school.
Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a learning disorder or mood disorder. You may also undergo a physical exam to ensure there are no medical issues that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor might request any records, including old report cards or performance appraisals at work. Your doctor will also want to know if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your life as when you were a child.
Support
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide an exhaustive assessment. These experts include licensed mental health providers, such as doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family doctors). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also contact local support organizations for assistance in finding a suitable provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your physician will also inquire about your symptoms and the issues they cause in your daily life. This covers your work and school performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may want to meet with your coworkers and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't an attempt to determine your honesty; it's just to get more information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It is crucial to collect as much information as possible before making an assessment.
Depending on the problem you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help people with ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and develop their strengths. CBT could be combined with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using various tools on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardised nor are they scientifically validated, and should only serve as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to be so familiar with their challenges that they ignore them. They may think that they're not very good or that it is their fault that they can't keep up with their work or social commitments. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by a personal failure or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. However, you can regain control over your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and transform it into an asset. This could lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and others around you.
