ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you think you might have ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis. This will be the first step in managing symptoms and gaining 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 an accurate diagnosis can only be made with an 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 any age, but the symptoms may be slightly different in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also use their symptoms to help them succeed in their work and relationships.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. To be diagnosed, made, symptoms must persist since childhood and cause significant issues in two areas of life. ADHD can cause issues such as difficulty focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
There are online self-tests and rating scales that can aid in determining if you may be suffering from ADHD. The only way to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral, or search online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory.
They will review your medical background, including your childhood, and how your symptoms affected your schooling as well as at work and at home. They will also ask about your drug and alcohol use, driving record and how you interact with your family and friends. It is crucial to be honest when you're speaking to your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD hide or deny their symptoms to others because they're afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is important to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required.
If your results show that you suffer from ADHD your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other therapies that can assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to assist you in working more efficiently, for example, making changes to your environment as well as using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they first started and how they have affected your life. He or she will also ask you about your family history since ADHD is usually inherited. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely go through a series of psychological tests to evaluate your functioning and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. You may be asked to perform math or reading tasks on phones, computers or tablet to see how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to determine your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six consecutive months and be having significant effects in several areas of your life such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12.
It's important to recognize that there are a variety of factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can cause certain symptoms as ADHD.
If you have records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know which medications you're taking, if any and if you've suffered a head injury, or illness.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment can help you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or together with medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a mental health specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and inquire what specialists are covered. Visit a local support group.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will refer you to a mental healthcare professional who will perform an exhaustive evaluation and identify the problem. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing at work and home. The doctor will ask you about any major issues you've had to face, such as being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health issues, like anxiety or depression.
You may be asked to fill out a survey like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and includes 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and provide you with scores that indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
In addition the doctor will ask you about the problems you face in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to talk about these problems however, your doctor needs to know so that they can help. In some cases your doctor may want to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the issues you are having. This does not mean that your doctor is judging or accusing you of being a victim. It's simply to help them know the ways ADHD can affect someone's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor might also suggest that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions.
Your doctor may also request that you bring any records with you, like performance evaluations from your job or report cards from school. private adhd assessment adults 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 a professional who can perform a full assessment. These experts include licensed mental health providers, such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family doctors). A lot of insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also reach out to local support organizations for assistance in locating a suitable provider.
In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and the issues they cause in your life. This includes school and work performance, relationships and other aspects of your life. Your physician may decide to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't an attempt to doubt your integrity or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more information. Many people with ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It is crucial to collect as much information as you can before making a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you are facing depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and increase their power. CBT may be combined with medication to treat your ADHD.
In the meantime, while you wait for a professional assessment, there are several tools on the Internet that let you evaluate your own symptoms. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardized nor scientifically validated and should be used only as general guidance.
Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are so used to their challenges that they tend to take them for granted. They may think that they're just not very proficient at certain things or that it's their own responsibility for not keeping their work or social commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by a personal failure, but are rather neurological. You can, however, gain control over your ADHD with the proper treatment and transform it into an asset. 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 your family and friends around you.