ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you may have ADHD, it's important to be diagnosed. This is the first step to managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible through an assessment by a professional. This could be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms can differ slightly in adults. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to to turn their problems into tools to help them succeed in relationships and work.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. For a diagnosis to be made, symptoms must persist from childhood and cause issues in two areas of life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble in focusing on a task or forgetting things.
There are self-tests online or rating scales that can help you determine if you might have ADHD. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral or look online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory.
If you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, highlighting the way your illness has affected your work, school and home life. They'll also ask you about any drug or alcohol use, driving history and how your relationships with your family and friends have been. It's crucial to be honest with your examiner. Many adults with ADHD cover up or minimize their symptoms from others because they're embarrassed or fearful of criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms as ADHD and must be checked out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is determined. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations will also be conducted.
If your results show that you suffer from ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. They may also recommend therapy 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 as well as using planning and organizing apps.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have ADHD, a professional evaluation is required. Your doctor will ask you to give an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they first started and how it has affected your life. The doctor may also ask about your family history as it is common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body, in addition to determine if there are any medical issues that may be causing ADHD symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
You'll likely be asked to complete several psychological tests, including behavioral ratings scales for assessing your ability to function. Your doctor might also ask you to perform math or reading tasks using a smartphone or computer to see how you perform in various situations. You could also be offered an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines that must be met for an adult diagnosis of ADHD. sell must be present for at least six consecutive months and be having an impact on multiple areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12.
It is important to recognize that many different things can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues and certain medications, for instance are all possible causes of the symptoms similar to ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will want to know if you're taking any medication and the last time you suffered a head injury.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment aids in developing more effective strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for those suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a mental health professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and inquire what specialists are covered. Visit a local support group.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare professional if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can conduct a full assessment to determine the cause of your disorder. During your visit, be honest about the problems you're experiencing at work and at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major problems that have arisen, such as being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor may also inquire about family history and previous health issues, like anxiety or depression.
You will probably be asked to complete some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions that require you to rate the frequency that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a an assessment of whether you should seek formal diagnosis.
In addition the doctor will be looking for the issues you have in relationships at work and home. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues however it is essential for your doctor to know about them to assist you. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with your coworkers or teachers in order to understand the difficulties you're having to face. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you or blaming you. It is simply to help them better understand how ADHD can affect a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor may also suggest that you get psychological tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like an intellectual disability 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 request any records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. Your doctor will also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your life as an infant.
Support
If you suspect ADHD, you should consult an expert who can provide an exhaustive assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor). Many insurance plans have lists of professionals who are qualified in your area, and you can also reach out to local support groups for assistance in finding a suitable service.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your daily life. This includes your school and work performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers or to request old school records. This is not a way to doubt your integrity or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more details. Many people with ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain the most relevant information possible to make a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people with ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT may be combined with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools on the Internet that let you assess your own symptoms. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated and should only be used for general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become comfortable with their problems, they tend to ignore them. They may assume that they're simply not skilled at something or that it's their own fault that they have trouble keeping their social or work commitments in order. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a personal failing. With the right treatment however, you can regain control over your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This can lead to greater success in your career, improved personal relationships and a more meaningful life for you and those around you.