ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step to controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you might have symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis can only be made with an evaluation by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, but symptoms in adults may look slightly different. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their problems into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to receive an assessment, the symptoms must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues such as difficulty focussing on a task, or a tendency to forget things.
If you suspect you may have symptoms of ADHD there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help you determine if you might have the disorder. However, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist in your health insurance's online directory.
They will go over your medical history including your childhood and how your health issues affected your life at school, work, and home. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drugs you use, driving history and what your relationships with family and friends have been. It is essential to be truthful when speaking to your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Before adult adhd assessment uk of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures 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 may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize tools for planning and organizing to make you more efficient.
Diagnosis
A professional evaluation is required to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will take a comprehensive history of your symptoms and the time they started and how they've affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your family history, as it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, in addition, to determine if there are any medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues.
You'll likely undergo an array of psychological tests to evaluate your functioning and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. You could be asked to perform math or reading tasks using the phone, computer or tablet to assess how you perform in different situations. You may even be given an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria which must be met in order to get the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six consecutive months and have 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 problems prior to the age of 12.
It's important to realize that many different things can trigger or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, mental health issues, and some medications can all cause certain symptoms as ADHD.
Bring any evidence 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 suffered a head injury or illness.
Adults who struggle with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or "talk therapy". This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or utilized on its own for adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a mental health specialist who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance provider and inquire which specialists are covered. Visit a local support group.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health that can perform a full evaluation to determine the cause of your disorder. During your visit, you should be honest about the problems you're experiencing at work and at home. The doctor will ask you about any major issues you've faced like being fired or failing in a class. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues you have had previously, such as anxiety or depression.
You are likely to be asked to fill out a survey like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency at which you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a a score indicating whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis.
Additionally your doctor will also be looking for the issues you face in your relationships at home and at work. It can be embarrassing to discuss these issues but your doctor has to know about it so that they can assist. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to your colleagues or teachers in order to understand the difficulties you're confronting. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging or blaming you. It is simply to help them comprehend the ways ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school.
Your doctor might recommend psychological tests to rule out other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms. For instance the learning disorder or mood disorder. You may also undergo an examination for physicals to make sure that there aren't any medical conditions that cause your symptoms.
Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, including old report cards or performance appraisals at work. It is also helpful for your doctor to know if you had 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 may be suffering from ADHD, it is important to speak with a professional. They can conduct a complete evaluation. These professionals are licensed mental health providers like physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). A lot of insurance plans will have lists of licensed professionals in your region, and you can also contact local support groups for help in finding an appropriate provider.
In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your physician will also inquire about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your daily life. This includes your work and school performance, as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your clinician may wish to speak with colleagues and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, it's to gain additional information. Many adults with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood. It's crucial that your specialist gathers as much relevant information as possible to establish a diagnosis.
Depending on the problem you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which can help those suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to treat your ADHD.
In the meantime, while you wait for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools on the Internet which allow you to evaluate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated, and should only be used for general guidance.
Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are so accustomed to their problems that they are able to ignore them. They might think that they're just not good enough or that it is their fault that they can't keep up with their work or social commitments. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and turn it into something positive. This can lead to more success in your career and personal relationships, as well as a richer life for you and others around you.