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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may be suffering from ADHD it is important to get a proper diagnosis. This is the first step towards managing symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you to the fact that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires an assessment by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Symptoms ADHD can be a problem for anyone of any age, but the symptoms may differ slightly in adults. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to to turn their symptoms into tools to help them succeed in work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the signs must have been present since childhood and continue to cause issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble in focusing on a task or even forgetting things. There are online self-tests and rating scales that can aid in determining if you may be suffering from ADHD. The only way to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a recommendation or look online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory. When you go to see an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, including how your symptoms have affected your work, school and personal life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug use, driving record and how you interact with your family and friends. It is crucial to be honest when you are speaking with your examiner. Many people with ADHD hide or minimize their symptoms from others due to being afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Before the diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is crucial to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required. If your tests show that you have ADHD Your doctor may prescribe medication. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral treatments to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest that you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize planning and organizing apps to help you become more efficient. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history since ADHD is usually inherited. Your doctor will do a physical exam, as well, to determine if there are any medical issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely be asked to take an array of tests for your psychological health, including behavioral ratings scales for assessing your functioning. You may be asked to perform math or reading tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to see your performance in various situations. You could also be offered an IQ test in order to assess your cognitive capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established guidelines which must be met in order to get the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months consecutively and be having an impact on multiple areas of your life such as school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a significant amount of problems prior to the age of 12. It's important to realize that many different things can cause or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, mental health issues and certain medications can cause 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 need to know what medications you're taking in the event of a need and if you've suffered a head injury, or illness. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” for those suffering from ADHD is beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This form of treatment helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure they don't affect your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be combined with medication or used on its own for adults with ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who is specialized in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, calling your insurance company to inquire for the specialists they cover, or going to a local support group. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your disorder. During your appointment, be honest about the problems you are having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major problems you've had to face, such as being dismissed or failing in a class. Your doctor will ask about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past such as anxiety disorders or depression. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to fill out and comprises 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will consider your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis. In addition the doctor will ask you about the problems you have in 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 so they can assist you. Your doctor may want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to better understand the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging or blames you. It's just to help them comprehend how ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school. Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For example the learning disorder or mood disorder. You can also have a physical exam to ensure there aren't any medical issues that cause your symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to bring any documents, like old reports or performance evaluations from your workplace. Your doctor may also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your life as when you were a child. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult an expert who can conduct an extensive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). A lot of insurance plans offer a list of qualified professionals in the region. You can also contact local support organizations for help in finding a suitable 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, relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. Iam Psychiatry isn't to question your honesty; it's simply to gather additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It is essential to gather the most information you can before making a diagnosis. Depending on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help people suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and develop their strengths. CBT can be paired with medications to help with ADHD treatment. If you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools available on the Internet that let you assess your own symptoms. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardized nor scientifically validated and should be used only as general guidelines. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their challenges that they are able to ignore them. They might think that they're simply not proficient at certain things or that it's their fault for having trouble keeping their social or work commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's fault, but are rather neurological. With the right treatment, you can gain control over your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This will lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships, as well as a better life for yourself and others around you.