ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to be diagnosed. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis is only possible through a professional evaluation. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms might differ slightly in adults. It is also possible for people with ADHD to to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like difficulty focusing on a task or forgetting things.
There are online self-tests or rating scales that can help you determine if might have ADHD. However, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to visit an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary doctor for a referral or search online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
They will review your medical history, including your childhood, and how your health issues affected your schooling at work, home, and school. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drug use, your driving history, and how your relationships with family and friends been. It is important to be honest when speaking to your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Before Read the Full Report of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A detailed neurological history and a physical exam will also be conducted.
If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor might prescribe medication. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will help you learn to manage your ADHD. They might also suggest you make changes to your work environment and use 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 take complete notes on your symptoms that include when they first began and how they have affected your life. He or she might also inquire about your family history, as it's common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
You'll likely undergo an array of psychological tests to determine your functioning such as behavioral rating scales. You could be asked to complete math or reading tasks using a computer, phone or tablet to determine your performance in various situations. You may even be given an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six consecutive months and be having an impact on multiple areas of your life such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12.
It's important to understand that there are many different factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for instance can all trigger some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
If you have records from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know what medications you're taking in the event of a need and if you've suffered a head injury, or illness.
Adults who struggle with ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment helps you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere with your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or used alone for people suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a mental health specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and inquire what specialists are covered. Or, visit an area support group.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor may refer you to a mental healthcare professional who will carry out a full evaluation and diagnose your condition. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about any issues you are experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will ask about any major issues you've had to face like being dismissed or failing in a class. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
You are likely to be asked to complete an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to fill out and comprises 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and give you an assessment of whether you should seek formal diagnosis.
Additionally, your doctor will ask you about the problems you face in your relationships at home and at work. It may be embarrassing to talk about these problems, but your doctor needs to know about it so that they can assist. In some instances your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the issues you're experiencing. This does not mean that your doctor is judging or blaming you. It's just to help them better understand how ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor might recommend psychological tests to rule other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For example a learning disorder or mood disorder. You could also undergo an examination to ensure that there are no medical issues that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor may ask you to bring any records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent, 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 an expert who can provide a full evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental healthcare providers such as clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists and neurologists, or family doctors). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also contact local support organizations for help in finding a suitable provider.
In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your doctor will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your daily life. This includes work and school performance as well as other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may ask to talk to your colleagues or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't an attempt to determine your honesty or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more information. Many adults with ADHD have poor or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather as much information as you can before making an assessment.
Depending on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which aids people with ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be coupled with medication to treat ADHD.
In the meantime, while you wait for a professional assessment There are a variety of tools available on the Internet which allow you to assess your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated, and should only be used for general guidance.
Many people with undiagnosed ADHD are so accustomed to their difficulties that they tend to take them for granted. They may assume that they're not proficient at certain things or that it's their fault that they have trouble maintaining their work or social commitments on the right track. The reality is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a fault of the individual. If you are treated properly, you can get back control over your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This could bring you greater success in your career and personal relationships, as well as an improved quality of life for you and those around you.