ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. This will help you manage symptoms and gain control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However the diagnosis is only possible through an evaluation by a professional. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, but symptoms in adults may look slightly different. Adults with ADHD can also use their symptoms to help them succeed in their work and relationships.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. To be diagnosed, recognized, the symptoms must have been present from childhood and cause issues in two areas of life. Having a hard time keeping your focus on tasks or having trouble recalling information are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine if you might have the disorder. However the only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to see a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care physician for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist on your health insurance's online directory.
If you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, including the way your illness has affected your school, work and family life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug use, driving record and how you interact with your family and friends. It is important to be honest when you are speaking with your examiner. Adults with ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, including seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and should be ruled out before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history are also required.
If your results indicate that you have ADHD, then your doctor might prescribe medication. Additionally, they might suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to assist you in working more efficiently, for example, making changes to your environment as well as using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they first started and how it has affected your life. The doctor might also inquire about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will perform physical examinations as well, to rule out any medical problems that may cause ADHD symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
You'll likely go through several psychological tests to determine your functioning such as behavioral rating scales. You might be asked to perform reading or math tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to determine how you perform in different situations. You could also be offered an IQ test in order to assess your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria that must be met to qualify for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. These include having at least six months of symptoms and their significant impact on multiple settings in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms led to serious problems prior to the age of 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 instance, can all cause some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
If you have any records from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know the medications you're taking, if any and if you've suffered a head injury or illness.
Adults with ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment method helps you develop better coping strategies and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't affect your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or as a supplement to medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist in mental health who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider and inquire what specialists are covered. You can also join an area support group.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare professional in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist who will conduct an extensive evaluation and determine your condition. During your visit, be open about the issues you are having at work and at home. The doctor will ask you about any major problems you have faced, such as being fired or failing in a class. Your doctor will ask about your family history as well as any previous health issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You are likely to be asked to fill out a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and comprises 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will take into account your answers and give you an assessment of whether you should seek a formal diagnosis.
In addition, your doctor will ask you about the problems you have in relationships at work and home. You may feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties, but it is important for your doctor to know about them to assist you. In some cases your doctor may want to speak with your coworkers or teachers to find out more about the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you; more so, it's to help them understand the ways in which ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at work or in school.
Your doctor might recommend psychological tests to rule out other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms. For example the learning disorder or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor may also ask to see any records with you, like performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. It is also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at the time.
Support
If you think you may have ADHD, it is important to consult a professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals are licensed mental health providers like doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family doctors). Many insurance plans provide the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also reach out to local support groups for assistance in finding a good provider.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. This includes work and school performance, relationships and other aspects of your life. Your physician may request that you speak with your co-workers as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty; it's simply to gain additional information. assessment of adult adhd suffering from ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain the most relevant information possible to make a diagnosis.
Based on your specific issue depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and increase their power. CBT can be paired with medication to help with ADHD treatment.
While you're waiting for a professional assessment There are a variety of tools available on the Internet that let you rate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are neither tested or validated scientifically and should be used only as general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to be so familiar with their challenges that they begin to ignore them. They might think that they are just not doing their best 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 the result of an individual's fault and are more neurological. With the right treatment you can get back control of your ADHD and turn it into something positive. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and others around you.