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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to receive a diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and gain control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with 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 can affect anyone at any age, however the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to succeed in their work and relationships. Adult symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. For a diagnosis to be recognized, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause significant difficulties in two different areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble focusing on a task or even forgetting things. There are online self-tests or rating scales that can aid in determining if you might have ADHD. However, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to see an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary doctor for a recommendation or search online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. If you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric records going all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your school, work and home life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drugs use, driving record, and how you relate to your family and friends. It's essential to be honest with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Before a diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required. If your results show that you suffer from ADHD, your doctor will likely prescribe medications. In addition, they could suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also suggest that you change your workplace and employ software for planning and organizing to make you more efficient. Diagnosis A professional assessment is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms that include when they first began and how they've affected your life. He or she will also inquire about your family history, as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, as well to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid issues. You'll likely undergo 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 assess how you perform in different situations. You may even take an IQ test to measure your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established standards which must be met in order to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six consecutive months and have an impact on multiple areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms led to 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, for instance can all trigger some of the symptoms similar to 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 ever suffered a head injury, or illness. Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This type of treatment can help you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't affect your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used alone for adults with ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care provider for a referral, contacting your insurance company to check on what specialists they cover, or going to a local support group. Treatment Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare professional in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can conduct a full assessment to diagnose your disorder. During your visit, be open about the issues you're having at work and at home. The doctor will ask you about any major issues you have faced, such as being dismissed or failing in a class. Your doctor may also inquire about your family history and any previous health issues, such as anxiety or depression. You will likely be asked to fill out a survey such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). assessing adhd in adults is approximately five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency which you are experiencing adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will review your answers and give you a score indicating whether you should seek formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. It can be embarrassing to talk about these problems however, your doctor needs to know about it so that they can assist. Your doctor may want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you; more so, it's to assist them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at school or work. Your doctor may also suggest that you get psychological tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example a learning disability or mood disorder. You could also undergo a physical exam to ensure that there aren't any medical issues that cause your symptoms. Your doctor may also ask that you bring any records that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at the time. Support If you suspect that 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 thorough evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family physicians). Many insurance plans will have lists of qualified professionals in your area. you can also contact local support groups to assist in finding a suitable service. In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your physician will also inquire about your symptoms and the issues they cause in your life. This covers your work and school performance, as well as relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may want to speak with colleagues and teachers, or request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, but to get additional information. Many adults with ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, particularly from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much pertinent information as possible to establish a diagnosis. Depending on the issue you're facing, your physician may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps those suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT is often combined with medication for ADHD treatment. While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several tools available on Internet. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a range of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated and should only be used to provide general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become familiar with their challenges that they begin to take them for granted. They might believe that they're just not doing their best or that it is their fault for not being able to keep up with their work or social commitments. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by a personal failure or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. If you are treated properly, however, you can regain control over your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This could lead to greater satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as a richer life for you and your family members.