ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
It's important to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. This will help you manage symptoms and gain control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis can only be made with a professional evaluation. This could be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, but the symptoms in adults might appear different. Adults with ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help succeed at work and in relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the signs must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two different areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your focus to your work or remembering things are examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine if you could be suffering from the disorder. However the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to visit a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary doctor for a referral, or search online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory.
If you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric records going back to childhood, highlighting the way your illness has affected your work, school and home life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drug use, your driving history, and what your relationships with family and friends been. It is important to be truthful 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 evaluation process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be ruled out before an ADHD diagnosis is determined. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history are also required.
If your results indicate that you have ADHD, then your doctor may prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to assist you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your work environment as well as using tools for organizing and planning.
Diagnosis
To determine ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. Your doctor will conduct an extensive history of your symptoms that include when they first started and how they've affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, as well, to determine if there are any medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders.
You'll likely be asked to take an array of psychological tests that include behavioral ratings scales for assessing your ability to function. Your doctor might also ask you to do math or reading tasks on a computer or phone to see how you perform in various situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at least six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various settings in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will want to know whether your symptoms led to significant problems before the age of 12.
It's important to understand that there are many factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues and certain medications, for instance, can all cause some 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 want to know what medications you're taking in the event of a need and if you've suffered a head injury, or illness.
Adults who suffer from ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment method helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure they don't affect your ability to function in your daily life. Psychotherapy can be combined with medication or used alone for adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a mental health professional who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance provider and inquire what specialists are covered. You can also join an organization that offers support locally.
Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your disorder. During your visit, be open about the issues you're experiencing at work and at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major problems that have led to them, such as being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past like anxiety or depression.
You are likely to be asked to complete some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to fill out and consists of 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will take into account your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also ask about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. It is possible that you feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties however it is essential that your doctor is aware about them in order to assist you. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to your colleagues or teachers in order to understand the difficulties you're having to face. This does not mean that your doctor is judging or blames you. It's simply to help them better understand the ways ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at work or in school.
Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example a mood disorder or a learning disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your doctor may also ask to bring any documents that you have, such as performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from your school. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child, but they weren't severe enough to have a significant impact on your life at the time.
Support
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD It is crucial to consult an expert. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family physician). Many insurance companies provide a list of qualified professionals in the area. You can also reach out to local support organizations for assistance in finding a good provider.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This covers your work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may request to speak with your co-workers as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This is not a way to doubt your integrity; it's just to get more details. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, particularly from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much relevant information as possible to make a diagnosis.
Based on your specific issue depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that helps people with ADHD overcome obstacles and maximize their strengths. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD.
While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using a variety of tools available on Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated and should only be used to provide general guidance.
Main Page with undiagnosed ADHD are so accustomed to their difficulties that they take them for granted. They might think that they're not skilled at something or that it's their responsibility for not maintaining their work or social commitments on track. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. With the right treatment, you can gain control of your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This can lead to more success in your work and personal relationships and a better life for yourself and your family members.