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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may have ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis. This will be the first step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you may have symptoms common in adult ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a professional. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD is a condition that affects people of all ages, however symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to achieve success in their work and relationships. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. For a diagnosis to be made, symptoms must persist from childhood and cause problems in two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like having trouble in focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things. If you think you have symptoms of ADHD, there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine if you might have the disorder. The only way to receive a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist through the online directory of your health insurance. They will review your medical background, including your childhood, and how your medical conditions affected your schooling, work, and home. They will also ask about your alcohol and drugs use, driving record, and how you interact with family and friends. It's essential to be honest with your examiner. Many adults with ADHD hide or cover up their symptoms from others because they're scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, can have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be ruled out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is determined. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history will also be given. If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, they may prescribe medication. visit this site might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend that you change your workplace and employ tools for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient. Diagnosis A professional assessment is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will take an extensive history of your symptoms that include when they first began and how they've affected your life. He or she might also inquire about your family history as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, in addition to determine if there are any medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid issues. You'll likely be subject to an array of psychological tests to determine your performance, including behavioral rating scales. Your doctor may also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while using a smartphone or computer to assess how you do in various situations. You may even be given an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. These include the presence of at least six months of symptoms and their significant impact on multiple settings in your life like school or work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if your symptoms caused you serious problems prior to 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, like, can all cause some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD. If you have any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you're taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered a head injury. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” for those suffering from ADHD is beneficial for adults who are suffering from this disorder. This type of treatment can help you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms and ensure that they don't hinder your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or utilized on its own for people suffering from ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who is specialized in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, contacting your insurance company to check on what specialists they cover or by visiting an organization that offers support locally. Treatment If you think you have ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor may refer you to a mental healthcare specialist who will conduct a full evaluation and diagnose the condition. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the problems you're having at home and at work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have led to them, such as being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any health issues that you've had in the past such as depression or an anxiety disorder. You will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to fill out and comprises 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek formal diagnosis. Your doctor may also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these issues but it's important for your doctor to know about them in order to help you. Your doctor may want to speak with your coworkers or teachers to understand the difficulties you're confronting. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging your behavior; rather, it is to aid them in understanding how ADHD can impact a person's ability to function at work or school. Your doctor may also recommend that you undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical conditions. Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, including old reports or performance evaluations at work. It is also helpful for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at that time. Support If you suspect ADHD, you should consult an expert who can conduct an exhaustive assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). A lot of insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also seek out local support groups for assistance in finding a good provider. In addition to taking a thorough medical history, your doctor will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers or to request old school records. This is not a way to question your sincerity but to gather more details. Many adults with ADHD suffer from poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get the most information you can before making a diagnosis. Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT may be used in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD. In the meantime, while you wait for a professional evaluation, there are several tools on the Internet that let you rate 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. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they begin to overlook them. They might think that they're not doing their best or that it's their fault for not being able to keep up with their social or work commitments. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a result of a personal flaw. However, you can get control of your ADHD with the proper treatment and transform it into an effective force. This could result in greater success in your job, improved personal relationships and an improved quality of life for your family and friends who are around you.