ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the fact that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires an assessment by a specialist. This can be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for anyone of any age, but the symptoms can differ slightly in adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to to transform their issues into tools to help them achieve success in their work and relationships.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to receive a diagnosis, the signs must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine if you may be suffering from the disorder. The only way to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to speak with a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care physician for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist through the online directory of your health insurance.
If you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, including how your symptoms have affected your school, work and family life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug use, driving record, and how you relate to your family and friends. It's essential to be open with your examiner. Many 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, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can have similar symptoms as ADHD and must be checked out before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations will also be conducted.
If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD your doctor will likely prescribe medications. They might also suggest therapy or behavioral treatments to help you manage your ADHD. They may also suggest that you change your work environment and use tools for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how they have affected your life. The doctor might also inquire about your family history, as it's common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, in addition, to determine if there are any medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders.
You may be asked to complete several psychological tests that include behavioral ratings scales for assessing your ability to function. You might be asked to perform math or reading tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to determine your performance in different situations. You may even take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six consecutive months and have significant effects in several areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms led to significant problems before the age of 12.
It's important to realize that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for instance are all possible causes of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Bring any records of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know the medications you're taking in the event of a need, and if you've ever had a head injury or illness.
Adults who struggle with ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for adults with ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or calling your insurance provider to inquire on what specialists they cover or visiting a local support group.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist who will conduct an exhaustive evaluation and identify your condition. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about the problems you are experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have resulted, such as being fired from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any health issues that you've had in the past such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You are likely to be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and consists of 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency with which you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and provide you with scores that indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these issues however it is essential that your doctor is aware about them in order to assist you. Your doctor may want to talk to your colleagues or teachers to better understand the challenges you're confronting. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you; instead, it's to aid them in understanding how ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at work or in school.
Your doctor might also suggest that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or mood disorder. You can also have a physical exam to ensure there aren't any medical conditions that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor may ask you to bring any documents, like old report cards or performance appraisals at work. It's also beneficial for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect you might have ADHD It is crucial to speak with a professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist or family physician). Many insurance plans will have lists of qualified professionals in your area, and you can also contact local support groups to assist in finding an appropriate provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to speak with colleagues and teachers or to request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, it's to get additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have spotty or poor memories, particularly from childhood, and it's essential that your doctor obtain as much relevant information as possible to determine the cause.
Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to aid in ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using a variety of tools on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are neither standardised nor are they scientifically validated, and should be used only as general guidance.
Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so used to their challenges that they are able to ignore them. diagnosing adult adhd adhdinadults may think that they're not skilled at something or that it's their responsibility for not keeping their work or social commitments on the right track. The reality is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a personal failing. You can, however, gain control over your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and turn it into an asset. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships as well as a richer life for you and those around you.