ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you might have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible through a professional evaluation. This can be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms can differ slightly in adults. It is also possible for people with ADHD to to transform their issues into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been recognized, the symptoms must have been present from childhood and cause difficulties in two different areas of daily life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things.
There are online self-tests and rating scales that can help you determine if you might have ADHD. However the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Consult your primary care physician for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist through your health insurance's online directory.
If you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, highlighting how your symptoms have impacted your school, work and personal life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drugs you usage, driving history and what your relationship with family and friends have been. It is important to be truthful when you are speaking with your examiner. Many adults with ADHD cover up or deny their symptoms to others due to being embarrassed or fearful of criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Some medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms to ADHD and must be checked out before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A detailed neurological history and a physical exam will also be conducted.
If your results show that you have ADHD, your doctor will likely prescribe medications. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They might also suggest you make changes to your work environment and use software for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how it has affected your life. They might also inquire about your family history, as it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. This includes thyroid issues or seizure disorders.
You'll likely undergo an array of psychological tests to determine your performance, including behavioral rating scales. You might be asked to perform math or reading tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to assess your performance in various situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on multiple settings in your life, like school or work. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12.
It's important to understand that many different factors can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, for example can all trigger some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Bring any evidence of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know what medications you're taking, if any and if you've suffered a head injury or illness.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" for those suffering from ADHD, can be extremely beneficial for adults suffering from this disorder. This form of treatment helps you improve your 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 paired with medication or utilized on its own for people suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist in mental health who treats adults with ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. Or, visit an area support group.
Treatment
Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health who can perform a full evaluation to determine the cause of your disorder. During your visit, you should be open about the issues you're experiencing at work as well as at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major issues you have faced, such as being dismissed or failing a class. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health issues, like depression or anxiety.
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 that ask you to rate the frequency with that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a an overall score that will indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
In addition the doctor will be looking for the issues you face in your relationships at work and home. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues but it's important for your doctor to know about them to assist you. Your doctor might want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging your behavior; instead, it's to aid them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect a person's ability to function at work or in school.
Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a mood disorder or a learning disorder. You could also undergo an examination to ensure that there aren't any medical conditions that are causing your symptoms.
Your doctor might also ask to bring any documents with you, such as performance evaluations from your job or report cards from school. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your daily life as a child.
Support
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, it is important to consult an expert. They can conduct a complete evaluation. These professionals are licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family doctors). Many insurance plans provide the names of qualified professionals in the area. You can also reach out to local support organizations for help in finding a good provider.
In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your physician will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your daily 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 to request old school records. This is not a way to doubt your integrity or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more information. adult adhd symptoms suffering from ADHD have poor or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather the most information you can before making an assessment.
Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic methods like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which aids those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and develop their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment.
While you're waiting for a professional assessment, there are several tools on the Internet which allow you to assess your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are available. These tools are not tested or validated scientifically and should be used only as general guidance.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become familiar with their challenges that they take them for granted. They might think that they're just not very skilled at something or that it's their own fault for having trouble keeping their work or social commitments on track. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a personal failing. However, you can get control of your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and transform it into an asset. This will lead to greater satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as a better life for yourself and your family members.