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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to get a proper diagnosis. This is the first step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools may provide you with the knowledge that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires an evaluation by a specialist. This can be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD is a condition that affects people of all ages, however symptoms in adults might appear different. adhd assessment in adults suffering from ADHD can also use their symptoms to help succeed in their work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. To be eligible for an assessment, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and continue to cause problems in at least two areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your attention on your task or recalling information are examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD. There are online self-tests and rating scales that can aid in determining if you might be suffering from ADHD. However the only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to visit an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist in your health insurance's online directory. If you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, including how your symptoms have impacted your work, school and personal life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug use, driving record and how you relate to family and friends. It is important to be truthful when speaking to your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid criticism or embarrassment. 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 can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a complete neurological history will also be given. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor might prescribe medication. In addition, they may recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to assist you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your environment and utilizing tools for organizing and planning. Diagnosis To determine ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they first started and how they have affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your family history as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will also perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. This includes thyroid issues or seizures. You'll likely go through a series of psychological tests to determine your performance such as behavioral rating scales. Your doctor may also ask you to complete reading or math tasks while using a smartphone or computer to see how you perform under various conditions. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to assess your cognitive capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months and have significant effects in several areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused you significant issues prior to the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are a variety of things that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, like are all possible causes of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD. If you have records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you're taking any medications or if you have ever suffered a head injury. Adults who struggle with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment method helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms and ensure that they don't hinder your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or in conjunction with medication for adults with ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, calling your insurance company to inquire for the specialists they cover or by visiting a local support group. Treatment If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor can refer you to a mental healthcare professional who will carry out an extensive evaluation and determine the condition. During your visit, be honest about the difficulties you are having at work and at home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have led to them from being fired from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health issues, such as depression or anxiety. You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency which you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and give you a score that indicates whether you should take a look at a formal diagnosis. Your doctor may also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties, but it is important for your doctor to know about them to help you. In certain instances your doctor may decide to talk to your coworkers or teachers to find out more about the issues you are having. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, instead, it's to aid them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at work or in school. Your doctor might also suggest that you get psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You may also be asked to undergo a physical exam to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical issues. Your doctor may ask you to bring any records, including old reports or performance evaluations at work. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent but they weren't severe enough to have a significant impact on your life at the time. Support If you think you may be suffering from ADHD It is crucial to seek out an expert. They can conduct a thorough assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans will have lists of qualified professionals in your area, and you can also reach out to local support groups for help in locating a suitable provider. In addition to taking a thorough medical history, your clinician will ask you about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your life. This includes your school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your clinician may wish to speak with colleagues and teachers, or request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, it's to gather additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood, and it's essential that your doctor obtain as much relevant information as possible to establish a diagnosis. Based on the issue you are facing depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and harness their strength. CBT may be used in conjunction with medication to treat your ADHD. While you wait for a medical assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several tools available on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are not tested or validated scientifically and should only be used as general guidelines. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they begin to overlook them. They may assume that they're not proficient at certain things or that it's their fault for having trouble keeping their work or social commitments in order. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a personal failing. However, you can get control of your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into an asset. This could result in greater success in your career, improved personal relationships and an improved quality of life for your family and friends around you.