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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This is the first step to managing symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self assessment tools can help you recognize that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD however, a valid diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified. 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, but symptoms in adults might appear different. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their problems into tools to help them succeed in work and relationships. adhd assessment test for adults may be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the signs must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your attention on tasks or having trouble recalling information are examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD. There are self-tests online or rating scales that can help you determine if you may be suffering from ADHD. The only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to consult a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist on your health insurance's online 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 impacted your school, work and personal life. They'll also inquire about your drug and alcohol use, driving record, and how you interact with your family and friends. It's essential to be open with your examiner. Many adults with ADHD are unable to conceal or cover up their symptoms from others because they're afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and must be checked out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is made. A thorough neurological history and a physical exam will also be conducted. If your results show that you have ADHD your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They may also recommend psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend that you change your workplace environment and utilize tools for planning and organizing to make you more efficient. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is required to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will take a comprehensive history of your symptoms that include when they first began and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to rule out medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures. You will likely be asked to complete several tests in the field of psychology, including behavioral ratings scales, in order to assess your performance. You might be asked to complete math or reading tasks using the phone, computer or tablet to see your performance in various situations. You could also be offered an IQ test to determine your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months consecutively and have a significant impact in multiple areas of your life such as school or work. Your doctor will also want to know whether your symptoms caused a substantial amount of discomfort prior to age 12. It's important to understand that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, for example are all possible causes 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 in the event of a need and if you've suffered a head injury or illness. Adults with ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment helps you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not interfere with your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or used alone for people suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist in mental health who treats adults with ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company and inquire what specialists are covered. You can also join an organization that offers support locally. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health who will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your disorder. During your appointment, be honest about the difficulties you are having at work and at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major problems you've faced, such as being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will ask about your family history and any health issues that you've had in the past such as anxiety disorders or depression. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency which you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will take into account your answers and give you a score indicating whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties, but it is important that your doctor is aware about them so they can help you. In some cases, your doctor will want to talk with your co-workers or teachers to learn more about the issues you are having. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you, rather, it is to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at work or in school. Your doctor might recommend psychological tests to rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms. For example a mood disorder or a learning disorder. You can also have an examination to ensure that there aren't any medical conditions that are causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also request that you bring any records that you have, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from school. It's also helpful for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent however they weren't serious enough to have a significant impact on your life at that time. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to a professional who can perform an extensive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). A lot of insurance plans offer the names of qualified professionals in the area. You can also reach out to 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 impact your daily life. This includes your school and work performance, as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your physician may decide to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't a way to doubt your integrity but to gather more details. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get as much information as you can before making an assessment. Depending on the problem you're having, your specialist may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people with ADHD learn to manage their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT may be combined with medication to treat your ADHD. While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using a variety of tools available on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are available. These tools are neither standardized nor scientifically validated and should be used only as general guidelines. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are so used to their problems that they are able to ignore them. They may think that they are just not doing their best or that it is their fault that they can't keep up with their social or work commitments. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. However, you can get control of your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and turn it into an asset. This can lead to more success in your work and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and your family members.