ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This is the first step to managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible with a professional evaluation. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, however symptoms in adults may look slightly different. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To be diagnosed, made, symptoms must persist since childhood and cause significant problems in two areas of daily life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focussing on a task, or even forgetting things.
If you suspect you may have symptoms of ADHD there are self-tests and ratings scales available online to help you determine if you could be suffering from the disorder. The only way to receive a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to speak with an expert in the disorder. Consult your primary care physician for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist in the online directory of your health insurance.
They'll review your medical background including your childhood and how your medical conditions affected your schooling as well as at work and at home. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drugs use, driving record, and how you interact with your family and friends. It's essential to be honest with your examiner. Main Page suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Before a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is important to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history will also be given.
If your results show that you have ADHD your doctor will likely prescribe medications. They might also suggest therapy or behavioral treatments to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, for example, making changes to your environment and using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
To diagnose ADHD an evaluation by a professional 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. He or she will also inquire 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 rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
You'll likely be asked to complete an array of tests in the field of psychology that include behavioral ratings scales for assessing your ability to function. Your doctor may also ask you to complete math or reading exercises using a phone or computer to determine how you perform under different conditions. You could also be offered an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established standards which must be met in order to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. These include having at least six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various settings in your life, like school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a significant amount of problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to realize that many different factors can cause or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, mental health issues, and some medications can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Bring any records of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you're taking any medications and if you have ever suffered a head injury.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" in the case of ADHD is beneficial for adults who are struggling with this disorder. 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 used alone or together with medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a specialist in mental health who treats adults with ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. Or, visit an area support group.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your visit, you should be honest about the difficulties you are having at work and at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major issues you've had to face, such as being dismissed or failing a class. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
You will likely be asked to complete 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 how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis.
Additionally, 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 it so that they can assist. In certain instances your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the issues you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you, rather, it is to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or school.
Your doctor might also suggest to undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical issues.
Your doctor might also ask that you bring any records with you, like performance evaluations from your job or report cards from school. It is also helpful for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child however they weren't serious enough to have a significant impact on your life at the time.
Support
If you suspect ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can provide a full evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental healthcare providers like doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family doctors). Many insurance companies provide the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also reach out to local support organizations for help in locating a suitable provider.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This includes 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 to request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, it's to gain additional information. Many people with ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, particularly from childhood, and it's crucial that your specialist gathers the most relevant information possible to make a diagnosis.
Depending on your problem, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that helps people with ADHD overcome obstacles and increase their power. CBT may be coupled with medication to treat your ADHD.
While you wait for a medical assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using a variety of tools on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated, and should be used only for general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to be so comfortable with their problems, they tend to ignore them. They may think that they're simply not good at things or that it's their own fault that they have trouble maintaining their work or social commitments on the right track. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a result of a personal flaw. You can, however, get control of your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and turn it into an asset. This will lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and your family members.