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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It's important to receive a proper diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. This is the first step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the possibility of having symptoms common to adult ADHD. However the diagnosis can only be made with an evaluation by a professional. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms ADHD can affect people at any age, however the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to use their symptoms to help them achieve success at work and in relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be eligible for an assessment, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two different areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty in 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 be suffering from ADHD. The only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to speak with an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral or search online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. If you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric records going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have affected your work, school and family life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drugs you use, your driving history, and what your relationships with family and friends been. It's important to be honest with your examiner. Adults with ADHD might conceal or minimize symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Before the diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A detailed neurological history and physical examinations will also be performed. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD, then your doctor may prescribe medication. Additionally, adhd assessment in adults might recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest that you change your workplace and employ tools for planning and organizing to help you become more efficient. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how it has affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history since ADHD is usually passed down through the family. Your doctor will also conduct physical exams to rule out medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures. You will likely be asked to complete a series psychological tests which include scales for behavioral ratings for assessing your ability to function. You could be asked to complete reading or math tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to assess how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria that must be met for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six consecutive months and be having a significant impact in multiple areas of your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are a variety of things that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can all cause some of the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations Bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know what medications you're taking, if any 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 helps you develop more effective strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not interfere with your daily life. Psychotherapy can be combined with medication or utilized on its own for adults with ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or calling your insurance company to inquire on what specialists they cover, or going to a local support group. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional who will carry out a full evaluation and diagnose the disorder. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you are experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will want to know about any major problems that have arisen, 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 depression or an anxiety disorder. You will likely be asked to fill out a survey 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 indicate how often you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and provide you with an assessment that will indicate whether you need to consider seeking an official diagnosis. Your doctor may also inquire about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. It can be embarrassing to talk about these problems, but your doctor needs to know about them so that they can assist. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you, instead, it's to assist them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a learning disorder or mood disorder. You may also be asked to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions. Your doctor may also request to bring any documents with you, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from school. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at the time. Support If you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is essential to consult an expert. They can conduct a complete evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists or neurologist family doctors). Many insurance plans provide a list 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 taking a thorough medical history, your physician will ask you about your symptoms and the difficulties they create in your life. This includes work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your life. Your clinician may ask to talk to your coworkers or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't an attempt to doubt your integrity but to gather more information. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get the most information you can before making a diagnosis. Based on your specific issue depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) A treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles and harness their strength. CBT may be coupled with medication to treat ADHD. While you wait for a medical assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several tools on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number of online questionnaires. These tools are neither standardized nor scientifically validated and should only serve as general guidelines. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so used to their challenges that they tend to take them for granted. They might believe that they're not good enough or that it is their fault for not being able to keep up with their social or work commitments. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a personal failing. However, you can get control of your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into an asset. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as a richer life for you and your family members.