ADHD - Symptoms in Adults
If you feel that you might have ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and take control of your life.
ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible with an assessment by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects people of all ages, however symptoms in adults may look slightly different. Adults with ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to help them achieve success at work and in relationships.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant problems in two areas of life. Having a hard time keeping your focus on your task or remembering things are two examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD.
There are self-tests online or rating scales that can aid in determining if you may be suffering from ADHD. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to see an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a recommendation or search online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory.
If you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, highlighting how your symptoms have impacted your school, work and family life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drug usage, driving history and how your relationships with your family and friends have been. It is crucial to be honest when speaking to your examiner. adhd assessments for adults with ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult.
Certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and should be ruled out before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history will also be given.
If your results indicate that you have ADHD, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest you make changes to your workplace and employ software for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have ADHD, a professional evaluation is required. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms, including when they first started and how they've affected your life. He or she will also ask you about your family history, as ADHD is often passed down through the family. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures.
You'll likely go through an array of psychological tests to assess your functioning, including behavioral rating scales. You could be asked to complete reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to see how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities.
The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines that must be met for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six consecutive months and have a significant impact in multiple areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms caused you significant issues prior to the age of 12.
It's important to recognize that there are many things that 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 must know if you are taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered an injury to your head.
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" for those suffering from ADHD, can be extremely beneficial for adults who are suffering from this disorder. This treatment method helps you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't affect your ability to function in your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or together with medication for adults with ADHD. You can locate an expert in mental health who is specialized in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, calling your insurance company to inquire on what specialists they cover or visiting a local support group.
Treatment
If you think you may have ADHD the first step is to set an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor will refer you to a mental health professional who will carry out a full evaluation and diagnose the problem. During your visit, be open about the issues you're having at work and at home. Your doctor will ask about any major problems you have faced, such as being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will also ask about your family history and prior health issues, like depression or anxiety.
You are likely to be asked to fill out 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 is comprised of 18 questions asking you to rate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and give you a score that indicates whether you should seek a formal diagnosis.
Your doctor will also ask about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these difficulties but it's important that your doctor is aware about them to assist you. Your doctor may suggest that you discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers in order to understand the issues you're having to face. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, more so, it's to help them understand the ways in which ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or in school.
Your doctor may also recommend that you get psychological tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical issues.
Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations at work. It is also helpful for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood, but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at the time.
Support
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can provide an exhaustive evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers such as doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family doctors). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also contact local support organizations for help in finding a good provider.
Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your life. Your physician may request that you speak with your co-workers, teachers, or request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, it's to gain additional information. Many adults with ADHD suffer from weak or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It's important to get as much information as you can before making a diagnosis.
Based on the issue you're facing, your physician might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help people suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT is often combined with medication to help with ADHD treatment.
While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using a variety of tools available on the Internet. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools are neither standardized nor scientifically validated and should only serve as general guidelines.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become familiar with their challenges, they tend to take them for granted. They might think that they're simply not good at things or that it's their own fault that they have trouble keeping their social or work commitments on the right track. The symptoms of ADHD aren't the result of a personal failure and are more neurological. With the right treatment you can gain control of your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This could bring you greater success in your career, improved personal relationships and a more fulfilling life for those who are around you.