ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you may be suffering from ADHD it is important to receive a diagnosis. This will be the first step in managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you might have symptoms common in adult ADHD however, a valid diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone of all ages, but the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. It is also possible for people with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to achieve success in their work and relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been made, symptoms must persist from childhood and cause problems in two areas of daily life. ADHD can cause issues like having trouble in focusing on a task or forgetting things.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help determine whether or not you could be suffering from the disorder. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist in the online directory of your health insurance.
They will review your medical background, including your childhood, and how your symptoms have affected your daily life at school as well as at work and at home. They'll also inquire about any drug or alcohol usage, driving history and what your relationships with family and friends have been. It is essential to be truthful when speaking to your examiner. private adhd assessment adults with ADHD cover up or deny their symptoms to others due to being scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be ruled out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is established. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required.
If your results show that you suffer from ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to help you work more efficiently, for example, making changes to your work environment and utilizing planning and organizing apps.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they first started and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your family history as it's common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, as well to rule out any medical problems that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders.
You'll likely be asked to take several tests for your psychological health, including behavioral ratings scales for assessing your performance. Your doctor might also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while on a computer or phone to assess how you do in various situations. You might even have an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months consecutively and be having significant effects in several areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if your symptoms caused you significant issues prior to the age of 12.
It's important to understand that there are many things that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can all cause certain symptoms as ADHD.
If you have any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know what 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 to ensure they don't interfere with your ability to function in your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with medications for adults suffering from ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, contacting your insurance provider to inquire for the specialists they cover or by visiting an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD, the first step is to schedule 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 determine the cause of your condition. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the issues you're experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will inquire about any major problems you've faced, such as being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past, such as anxiety or depression.
You will probably be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency which you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then consider your answers and give you a score that indicates whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
In addition your doctor will also 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 has to know so that they can help. Your doctor might want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers in order to better understand the challenges you're facing. This does not mean that your doctor is judging or blames you. It is simply to help them know the ways ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at work or in school.
Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance the mood disorder or a learning disorder. You may also be asked to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor might ask you to bring any documents, like old report cards or performance appraisals at work. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent however they weren't serious enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect you have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with a professional who can perform an exhaustive evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). Many insurance plans have lists of licensed professionals in your area. you can also reach out to local support groups to assist in locating a suitable provider.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they impact your daily life. This includes your work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your clinician may ask to talk to your colleagues as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't a way to question your sincerity; it's just to get more information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, particularly from their childhood. It's crucial that your specialist gathers as much relevant information as possible to establish a diagnosis.
Depending on the problem you're having, your specialist may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help those suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT may be used in conjunction 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 questionnaires are available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated, and should be used only to provide general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become comfortable with their problems that they overlook them. They may think that they're just not doing their best or that it is their fault for not being able to keep up with their social or work commitments. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a personal failing. You can, however, get control of your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into an asset. This can result in greater success in your job, improved personal relationships and an improved quality of life for your family and friends who are around you.