ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It's important to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and gain control over your life.
ADHD self assessment tools can alert you to the fact that you may be suffering from symptoms common to adult ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist. This could be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD affects people of all ages, but symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help them succeed at work and in relationships.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been made, symptoms must persist from childhood and cause difficulties in two different areas of life. Having a hard time keeping your focus to your work or recalling information are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
There are online self-tests or rating scales that can help you determine if you might have ADHD. However the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to visit a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Consult your primary care physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist on your health insurance's online directory.
They'll review your medical background, including your childhood, and how your medical conditions affected your life at school, work, and home. They'll also inquire about any drug or alcohol use, driving history and how your relationships with your family and friends have been. It is essential to be truthful when speaking to your examiner. Many adults with ADHD are unable to conceal or deny their symptoms to others because they're afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Some medical conditions, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations will also be performed.
If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor may prescribe medication. Additionally, they might suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can help you learn to manage your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to assist you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your work environment and utilizing software for planning and organizing.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will ask you to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how they have affected your life. The doctor may also ask about your family history, as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, as well to rule out any medical problems that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders.
You'll likely be asked to take a series psychological tests that include behavioral ratings scales for assessing your functioning. Your doctor may also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while using a phone or computer to see how you perform under various conditions. You might even have an IQ test to measure your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. These include having at minimum six months of symptoms and their significant impact on a variety of situations in 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 example are all possible causes of the symptoms similar to ADHD.
Bring assessing adhd in adults of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know which medications you're taking, if any, and if you've ever had a head injury or illness.
Psychotherapy, also known as "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 daily life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for those suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist in mental health who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and inquire which specialists are covered. You can also join an area support group.
Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health that can conduct a full assessment to diagnose your condition. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about the problems you're experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will be looking for any major problems that have resulted from being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and contains 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency at that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and provide you with an assessment that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also inquire about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to talk about these problems but your doctor has to know so that they can assist. In some cases your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging your behavior; more so, it's to help them understand how ADHD can impact a person's ability to function at work or in school.
Your doctor may also recommend that you get psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You may also undergo a physical exam to make sure that there aren't any medical issues that cause your symptoms.
Your doctor may also ask to bring any documents with you, like performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. Your doctor will also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your daily life as when you were a child.
Support
If you think you may have ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is essential to speak with a professional. They can conduct a thorough assessment. These professionals include licensed mental healthcare providers, such as clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). A lot of insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in finding a good provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your clinician 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 in your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not a way to determine your honesty or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more details. Many people with ADHD have spotty or poor memories, particularly from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain as much relevant information as possible to establish a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which aids those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT may be coupled with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you're waiting for a professional assessment, there are several tools available on the Internet that allow you to evaluate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated and should be used only for general guidance.
Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are so accustomed to their challenges that they tend to take them for granted. They may think that they're not proficient at certain things or that it's their responsibility for not keeping their work or social commitments in order. The reality is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. You can, however, regain control over your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and transform it into an effective force. This can lead to more success in your work and personal relationships as well as a better life for yourself and others around you.