ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. This will be the first step to managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may help you recognize that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires an evaluation by a professional. This could be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect people at any age, however the symptoms might differ slightly in adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work.
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 significant issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues such as difficulty in focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
If you think you have symptoms of ADHD There are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help determine whether or not you may be suffering from the disorder. The only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to speak with an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary doctor for a recommendation or look online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
When you go to see an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss the way your illness has affected your school, work and home life. They'll also inquire about your drug and alcohol usage, driving history and how you interact with your family and friends. It is essential to be honest when you're speaking to your examiner. Many adults with ADHD hide or cover up their symptoms from others due to being afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Before the diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A thorough neurological history and physical examinations should also be performed.
If your results indicate that you have ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. In addition, they could recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can help you learn to manage your ADHD. They may also recommend that you make changes to your workplace and employ tools for planning and organizing to help you become more efficient.
Diagnosis
To diagnose ADHD an evaluation by a professional is required. Your doctor will conduct complete notes on your symptoms that include when they first started and how they've affected your life. He or she will also inquire about your family history as ADHD is typically caused by genetics. Your doctor will also perform physical exams to rule out medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizures.
You may be asked to complete an array of psychological tests which include scales for behavioral ratings, in order to assess your performance. You could be asked to complete math or reading tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to see your performance in different situations. You may even take an IQ test to assess your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met for an adult diagnosis of ADHD. These include the presence of at least six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various situations in your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms caused you serious problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to understand that there are many things that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues and certain medications, for example can all trigger some of the symptoms similar to ADHD.
If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you're taking any medications or whether you've ever suffered an injury to your head.
Psychotherapy, or "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 interfere with your ability to function in your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used alone for adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a mental health specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance provider and inquire which specialists are covered. Or, visit an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary health care provider if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your visit, be honest about the difficulties you're experiencing at work and at home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major problems that have arisen in being dismissed from a job or failing classes. Your doctor may also inquire about your family history and any previous health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
You are likely to be asked to fill out a survey such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire is approximately five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency with that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will review your answers and provide you with a an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek formal diagnosis.
Additionally, your doctor will be looking for the issues you have in relationships at work and home. It might be uncomfortable to discuss these issues but your doctor has to know about it so that they can help. Your doctor may suggest that you discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to better understand the challenges you're having to face. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you; rather, it is to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at school or work.
Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For instance the learning disorder or mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor may also ask to see any records with you, like performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from your school. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child but they weren't severe enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should consult a professional who can perform an extensive assessment. These experts include licensed mental health providers like physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family doctors). A lot of insurance plans offer the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also seek out local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider.
Your clinician will also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your life. adhd symptoms in adults may ask to speak with your co-workers as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't a way to doubt your integrity but to gather more information. Many people with ADHD suffer from poor or sporadic memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get the most information you can before making the diagnosis.
Depending on the issue you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps people with ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be paired with medication to aid in ADHD treatment.
While you're waiting for a professional assessment There are many tools available on the Internet which allow you to rate your own symptoms. 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 only be used to provide general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people so used to their difficulties that they ignore them. They might believe that they are just not good enough or that it is 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 fault, but are rather neurological. If you are treated properly, however, you can regain control over your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This can lead to more success in your work and personal relationships and an improved quality of life for you and others around you.