ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you might have ADHD it is important to get a proper diagnosis. This is the first step in controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you might have symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis can only be made with a professional evaluation. This could be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, but the symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to to turn their problems into tools to help them succeed in relationships and work.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be eligible for a diagnosis, the signs must have been present since childhood and continue to cause issues in at least two areas of your life. Trouble keeping your focus to your work or remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD.
If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help determine if you could be suffering from the disorder. However the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to visit an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance.
They'll review your medical history, including your childhood, and how your symptoms affected your life at school as well as at work and at home. They'll also ask you about any drug or alcohol use, your driving history, and what your relationship with family and friends have been. It is important to be honest when speaking to your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD hide or deny their symptoms to others because they're scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, can have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is determined. A detailed neurological history and a physical exam will also be performed.
If your results indicate that you have ADHD If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, they may prescribe medication. adult adhd assessment uk might also suggest therapy or behavioral therapies to assist you in managing your ADHD. They might also suggest that you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize software 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 ask you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how it has affected your life. He or she might also inquire about your family history, as it is common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will also conduct an examination of your body to rule out medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely be asked to take several tests for your psychological health, including behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your ability to function. Your doctor may also ask you to perform math or reading tasks on a computer or phone to assess how you do in various situations. You might even have an IQ test to measure your cognitive capabilities.
The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. These include the presence of at least six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on multiple situations in your life, like school or work. 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 a variety of factors can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, for example, can all cause some of the symptoms similar to ADHD.
Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you are taking any medications and the last time you suffered a head injury.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" in the case of ADHD is extremely beneficial for adults who are struggling with this disorder. This form of treatment helps you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms and ensure that they don't interfere with your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with medications for adults 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 provider and inquire which specialists are covered. You can also join a local support group.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your visit, you should be open about the issues you are having at work and at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major problems that have led to them from being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any previous health issues such as anxiety disorders or depression.
You may be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire is approximately five minutes long and includes 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency with that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then consider your answers and provide you with a score that indicates whether you should seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor may also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. It is possible that you feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties but it's important that your doctor is aware about them so they can help you. Your doctor may want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're confronting. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, more so, it's to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at school or work.
Your doctor may also recommend to undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mood disorder. You could also undergo an examination to ensure there aren't any medical issues causing your symptoms.
Your doctor might ask you to bring any documents, like old reports or performance appraisals at work. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your daily life as when you were a child.
Support
If you think you might have ADHD, it is important to seek out a professional. They can conduct a complete evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as 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 reach out to local support organizations for assistance in finding a suitable provider.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. This includes your school and work performance, as well as relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may request to talk to your coworkers, teachers, or request old school records. This is not a way to question your sincerity or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more information. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from weak or sporadic memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get the most information you can before making the diagnosis.
Based on the issue you are facing Your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and harness their strength. CBT can be paired with medications for ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using various tools on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardized nor scientifically validated and should only serve as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can make people so familiar with their challenges, they tend to take them for granted. They may assume that they're just not very proficient at certain things or that it's their own responsibility for not keeping their social or work commitments on track. The symptoms of ADHD aren't the result of an individual's failure, but are rather neurological. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This will lead to greater success in your career and personal relationships, as well as a richer life for you and those around you.