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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may be suffering from ADHD it is important to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis can only be made with an evaluation by a professional. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Signs and symptoms ADHD can affect people at any age, however the symptoms may be slightly different in adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like difficulty in focusing on a task or even forgetting things. There are self-tests online or rating scales that can help you determine if might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to receive a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist on your health insurance's online directory. They'll review your medical background including your childhood and how your medical conditions affected your schooling, work, and home. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drug use, driving history and what your relationship with family and friends have been. It is essential to be honest when you are speaking with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Some medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be ruled out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is made. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history will also be given. If your tests show that you have ADHD, then your doctor may prescribe medication. In addition, they could recommend psychotherapy or other therapies that can aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest you make changes to your work environment and use tools for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how they have affected your life. He or she will also ask you about your family history, as ADHD is typically passed down through the family. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. This includes thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may be asked to take an array of tests for your psychological health which include scales for behavioral ratings, in order to assess your performance. Your doctor may also ask you to complete math or reading tasks on a computer or phone to determine how you perform in various situations. You may even be given an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. These include having at minimum six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on a variety of situations in your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will also want to know whether your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12. see this site is important to realize that there are a variety of things that can cause or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, mental health issues, and some medications can cause the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have any documentation from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know the medications you're taking, if any, and if you've ever suffered a head injury or illness. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” in the case of ADHD, can be extremely beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This treatment aids in developing better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or utilized on its own for those suffering from ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults suffering from ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, contacting your insurance company to check which specialists they cover or by visiting a local support group. Treatment If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can perform a full evaluation to determine the cause of your condition. During your visit, you should be honest about the difficulties you are having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will be looking for any major problems that have arisen, such as being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues you have had previously, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. You are likely to be asked to fill out a survey like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to fill out and comprises 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will take into account your answers and provide you with a an assessment of whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. Your doctor may also inquire about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to talk about these problems but your doctor has to know about it so that they can assist. In some instances your doctor may want to talk to your coworkers or teachers to find out more about the issues you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging your behavior; more so, it's to assist them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or school. Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a mood disorder or a learning disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to confirm that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues. Your doctor may ask you to bring along any records, such as old reports or performance evaluations from your workplace. It is 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 affect your life at the time. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide a full assessment. These professionals are licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family physicians). Many insurance plans offer lists of licensed professionals in your area. you can also reach out to local support groups to assist in locating a suitable provider. Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may want to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not a way to doubt your integrity or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have spotty or poor memories, particularly from childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain the most relevant information possible to make a diagnosis. Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids those suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment. While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using various tools available on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated and should only be used for general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can make people so comfortable with their problems, they tend to take them for granted. They may think that they're not proficient at certain things or that it's their own fault that they have trouble keeping their work or social commitments on the right track. The reality is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This could lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and those around you.