ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step towards controlling your symptoms and taking 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 the diagnosis is only possible with an evaluation by a professional. This can be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD affects people of all ages, but symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to transform their issues into tools to help them achieve success in their work and relationships.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the signs must have been present since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues such as difficulty focussing on a task, or a tendency to forget things.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine whether or not you may be suffering from the disorder. However, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to visit a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist through the online directory of your health insurance.
They will review your medical history, including your childhood, and how your medical conditions affected your schooling as well as at work and at home. They will also ask about your alcohol and drugs use, driving record and how you relate to family and friends. It's important to be open with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, including seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and should be ruled out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is established. A thorough neurological history and a physical exam will also be conducted.
If adult adhd assessments indicate that you suffer from ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your surroundings and utilizing planning and organizing apps.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to get a diagnosis of 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 will also inquire about your family history as ADHD is typically inherited. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body, in addition, to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders.
You will likely be asked to take an array of tests for your psychological health, including behavioral ratings scales, in order to assess your functioning. You might be asked to perform math or reading tasks using the phone, computer or tablet to determine your performance in various situations. You may even take an IQ test to assess your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. These include having at least six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various situations in your life, like school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of discomfort prior to age 12.
It's important to understand that there are a variety of things that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, mental health issues and certain medications can cause certain symptoms as ADHD.
Bring any records of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will want to know if you are taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered an injury to your head.
Adults with ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment aids in developing more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a mental health professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. You can also join an area support group.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will refer you to a mental healthcare professional who will carry out a full evaluation and diagnose the problem. During your visit, you should be honest about the problems you're experiencing at work and at home. Your doctor will ask about any major problems you have faced, such as being fired or failing a class. Your doctor may also inquire about your family history and prior health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
You will likely be asked to fill out a survey like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to fill out and comprises 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will take into account your answers and give you an assessment of whether you should seek formal diagnosis.
In addition, your doctor will be looking for the issues you are having with your relationships at work and home. It can be embarrassing to discuss these issues however, your doctor needs to know about them so that they can assist. In some cases your doctor may want to talk to your coworkers or your teachers to learn more about the difficulties you are having. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, rather, it is to help them understand the ways in which ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at school or work.
Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example the mood disorder or learning disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor may also ask that you bring any records with you, like performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. Your doctor may also want to know if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your daily life as a child.
Support
If you suspect you have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide an exhaustive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health specialists such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans offer lists of professionals who are qualified in your area, and you can also contact local support groups for help in locating a suitable provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your clinician will ask you about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes your school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your clinician may ask to talk to your colleagues or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't a way to question your sincerity but to gather more information. Many people with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much relevant information as possible to make a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids people with ADHD overcome their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be coupled with medication to treat ADHD.
While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several tools available on Internet. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardised nor are they scientifically validated, and should be used only as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they overlook them. They may assume that they're not skilled at something or that it's their own fault that they have trouble maintaining their work or social commitments on the right track. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by an individual's failure or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. If you are treated properly, you can get back control of your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This will lead to greater success in your job as well as improved relationships with your family and friends. an improved quality of life for you and those who are around you.