ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This will be the first step to managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the possibility of having symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis is only possible with a professional evaluation. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect people of any age, but the symptoms may differ slightly in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to help succeed in their work and relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been recognized, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause significant issues in two areas of daily life. ADHD can cause issues like having trouble in focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
If you suspect you may have symptoms of ADHD there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine whether or not you might have the disorder. However, the only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Consult your primary care physician for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist on your health insurance's online directory.
When you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have affected your school, work and family life. They'll also ask you about any drug or alcohol use, your driving history, and what your relationship with family and friends have been. It's important to be open with your examiner. Many adults with ADHD are unable to conceal 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 established, it is crucial to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a complete neurological history will also be given.
If your results show that you have ADHD your doctor will likely prescribe medications. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to assist you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your environment and using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely be subject to several psychological tests to assess your performance and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. Your doctor may also ask you to complete reading or math tasks while on a computer or phone to assess how you do in various situations. You may even be given an IQ test to determine your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines that must be met to qualify for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at least six consecutive months and be having significant effects in several areas of your life such as school or work. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms led to a significant amount of discomfort prior to age 12.
It's important to understand that there are a variety of factors 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 records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations Bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will need to be aware of whether you are taking any medications and the last time you suffered a head injury.
Adults who struggle with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment aids in developing better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a mental health professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and ask which specialists are covered. Or, visit a local support group.
Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health that will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your disorder. During your visit, be honest about the problems you're having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major issues that have resulted from being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You are likely to be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to complete and is comprised of 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and provide you with scores that indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor may also inquire about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these issues, but it is important that your doctor is aware about them to help you. In some cases your doctor may want to talk with your co-workers or your teachers to learn more about the difficulties you're experiencing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blames you. It's just to help them comprehend how ADHD can affect a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor might also suggest that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or a mood disorder. You can also have an examination to make sure that there are no medical issues causing your symptoms.
Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, including old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. sneak a peek at this website may also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your life as an infant.
Support
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult a professional who can perform a full evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health specialists like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). Many insurance companies provide the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also seek out local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your life. Your physician may request that you talk to your colleagues or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't a way 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 inconsistent memories, particularly from childhood. It's crucial that your specialist gathers as much relevant information as possible to make 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), a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and increase their power. CBT may be coupled with medication to treat ADHD.
While you wait for a medical assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using various tools on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated, and should be used only to provide general guidance.
Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their challenges that they take them for granted. They might think that they're just not good enough or that it is their fault that they are unable to keep up with their work or social commitments. The reality is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a result of a personal flaw. If you are treated properly, you can get back control of your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This can lead to more success in your career and personal relationships and a better life for yourself and your family members.