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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. This will help you manage symptoms and gain control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you to the possibility of having symptoms common to adult ADHD. However the diagnosis is only possible through an assessment by a professional. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms ADHD can affect people of any age, but the symptoms may be different for adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to help succeed at work and in relationships. Adult symptoms of ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and continue to cause significant problems in at least two different areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like difficulty focusing on a task or forgetting things. If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, there are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help you determine if you could be suffering from the disorder. However the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Consult your primary care physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance's online directory. They will review your medical background including your childhood and how your symptoms have affected your daily life at school, work, and home. They'll also ask you about any drug or alcohol use, driving history and what your relationship with your family and friends have been. It is crucial to be truthful when speaking to your examiner. Adults with ADHD might cover up or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Before the diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a complete neurological history will also be provided. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD, then your doctor may prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize planning and organizing apps to help you be more efficient. Diagnosis To determine if you have ADHD, a professional evaluation is required. Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive history of your symptoms that include when they first started and how they've affected your life. The doctor will also ask you about your family history, as ADHD is typically inherited. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations in addition to determine if there are any medical issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid issues. You will likely be asked to complete a series psychological tests that include behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your performance. Your doctor might also ask you to complete math or reading exercises using a smartphone or computer to see how you perform in various situations. You may even take an IQ test to assess your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult 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 be interested in knowing whether your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are a variety of factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues and certain medications, like, can all cause some of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Bring any records of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know which medications you're taking in the event of a need, and if you've ever had a head injury or illness. Adults who struggle with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment can help you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be used alone or together with medications for adults suffering from ADHD. You can locate an expert in mental health who specializes in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, calling your insurance company to check which specialists they cover, or going to a local support group. Treatment If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist who will conduct an extensive evaluation and determine the problem. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about the problems you're experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will ask about any major issues you've faced like being dismissed or failing in a class. Your doctor will also ask about your family history and prior health problems, such as anxiety or depression. You will probably be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to complete and consists of 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency with which you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to talk about these problems but your doctor has to know about them so that they can help. adhd assessment for adults may suggest that you speak with your coworkers or teachers in order to understand the issues you're confronting. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you or blaming you. It is simply to help them better comprehend how ADHD can impact a person's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor may also recommend that you undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or mood disorder. You may also undergo a physical exam to ensure that there aren't any medical issues that are causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also ask that you bring any records with you, like performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from your school. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at that time. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can conduct an exhaustive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals such as clinical psychologists, and physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). A lot of insurance plans offer lists of professionals who are qualified in your region, and you can also reach out to local support groups for assistance in locating 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 work and school performance, as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, but to gather additional information. Many adults with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood. It's crucial that your specialist gathers the most relevant information possible to determine the cause. Based on your specific issue, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome obstacles and maximize their strengths. CBT can be paired with medications to aid in ADHD treatment. While you wait for a medical assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several tools available on Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated and should be used only to provide general guidance. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their difficulties that they tend to take them for granted. They might think that they're not good enough or that it is their fault for not being able to keep up with their social or work commitments. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by an individual's fault, but are rather neurological. With the right treatment, you can gain control of your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This will bring you greater success in your job and personal relationships, as well as a more fulfilling life for you and those around you.