ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. This is the first step to controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the fact that you might have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for anyone of all ages, but the symptoms can be different for adults. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their problems into tools to help them succeed in work and relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. For a diagnosis to be established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant problems in two areas of life. ADHD can cause problems such as difficulty in focusing on a task or even forgetting things.
There are online self-tests and rating scales that can help you determine if might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance's online directory.
If you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history dating all the way back to childhood, and will discuss the way your illness has affected your work, school and home life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drugs you use, driving history and what your relationships with your family and friends have been. It is essential to be truthful when speaking to your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Before the diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is crucial to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A detailed neurological history and physical examinations should be also conducted.
If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to help you work more efficiently, for example, making changes to your environment as well as using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct an extensive history of your symptoms that include when they first began and how they've affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your family history, since it's common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will also perform physical exams to rule out medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely be subject to several psychological tests to evaluate your functioning, including behavioral rating scales. Your doctor might also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while on a computer or phone to see how you perform under various conditions. You may even take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months and be having an impact on multiple areas of your life such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know whether your symptoms caused a substantial amount of discomfort prior to age 12.
It is important to recognize that a variety of factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, like, can all cause some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor must know if you're taking any medication and the last time you suffered a head injury.
Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy" in the case of ADHD is beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This treatment aids in developing better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not interfere with your daily life. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. You can locate an expert in mental health who specializes in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care provider for a referral, calling your insurance company to check on what specialists they cover, or going to a local support group.
Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health who can perform a full evaluation to determine the cause of your condition. During your visit, be honest about the difficulties you're having at work and at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major issues that have arisen, such as being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history and any health issues you have had previously such as anxiety disorders or depression.
You may be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire is approximately five minutes long and contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency at that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then consider your answers and provide you with scores that indicate whether you need to consider seeking an official diagnosis.
In addition the doctor will inquire about the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. assessment for adhd in adults might be uncomfortable to talk about these problems, but your doctor needs to know about them so that they can assist. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to your colleagues or teachers in order to better understand the challenges you're confronting. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you or blames you. It is simply to help them understand how ADHD can affect a person's performance at work or at school.
Your doctor may also recommend that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or mood disorder. You may also be asked to undergo a physical examination to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your doctor might also ask that you bring any records with you, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from school. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your daily life as when you were a child.
Support
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can provide a full evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers like physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also seek out local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This includes work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your life. Your physician may request that you speak with your co-workers or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't an attempt to determine your honesty or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more details. Many people with ADHD have spotty or poor memories, especially from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain the most relevant information possible to make a diagnosis.
Depending on your problem depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and maximize their strengths. CBT can be paired with medication to aid in ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several tools available on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated and should be used only to provide general guidance.
Many people with undiagnosed ADHD are so used to their difficulties that they tend to take them for granted. They might believe that they're just not good enough or that it's their fault that they are unable to keep up with their social or work commitments. The symptoms of ADHD aren't the result of an individual's fault, but are rather neurological. If you are treated properly, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This could bring you more success in your career and personal relationships, as well as a more fulfilling life for you and those who are around you.