ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you might have ADHD, it's important to be diagnosed. This will be the first step to managing symptoms and gaining control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the fact that you may have symptoms common in adult ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires an assessment by a professional. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for anyone of any age, but the symptoms may differ slightly in adults. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help succeed in their work and relationships.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be diagnosed, established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant difficulties in two different areas of your life. Trouble keeping your attention on tasks or having trouble remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
If you suspect you may have symptoms of ADHD there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help you determine if you could be suffering from the disorder. However the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to visit an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist in the online directory of your health insurance.
When you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, including how your symptoms have affected your work, school and personal life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drugs you use, driving history and how your relationships with family and friends have been. It's essential to be open with your examiner. Iam Psychiatry with ADHD may hide or minimize symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before a diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required.
If your tests show that you have ADHD, then your doctor may prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to help you work more efficiently, such as making changes to your environment and using software for planning and organizing.
Diagnosis
A professional assessment is necessary to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you to give an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history as ADHD is typically inherited. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures.
You may be asked to take an array of tests for your psychological health which include scales for behavioral ratings to evaluate your performance. You might be asked to complete math or reading tasks using a computer, phone or tablet to see your performance in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria that must be met for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months consecutively and have a significant impact in multiple areas of your life such as school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of discomfort prior to age 12.
It is important to recognize that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. For instance, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can all cause some of the same symptoms as ADHD.
If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor must be aware of whether you are taking any medications or if you have ever suffered a head injury.
Adults who struggle with ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment method helps you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't affect your ability to function in your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used 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 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 suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your visit, you should be open about the issues you're having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major issues that have led to them, such as being fired from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any previous health issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You will likely be asked to fill out a survey such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and is comprised of 18 questions that ask you to indicate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will consider your answers and give you a score indicating whether you should seek formal diagnosis.
Additionally, your doctor will be looking for the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues however it is essential for your doctor to be aware about them so they can assist you. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with your coworkers or teachers to better understand the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blames 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 could cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your doctor may also ask to bring any documents with you, like performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from school. It is also helpful for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood but they weren't severe enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time.
Support
If you suspect ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can provide an extensive assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in finding a suitable provider.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they impact your life. This includes school and work performance, relationships and other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, but to get additional information. Many adults with ADHD suffer from weak or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather the most information you can before making an assessment.
Depending on your problem, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and maximize their strengths. CBT can be coupled with medication to treat your ADHD.
If you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are many tools on the Internet which allow you to evaluate your own symptoms. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools aren't tested or validated scientifically and should only serve as general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become comfortable with their problems that they begin to ignore them. They might believe that they're just not very good or that it's their fault for not being able to keep up with their work or social commitments. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's fault and are more neurological. You can, however, gain control over your ADHD with the proper treatment and transform it into a positive force. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and your family members.