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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis if you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD. This is the first step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD however, a valid diagnosis requires an evaluation by a specialist. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms ADHD can affect people of any age, but the symptoms may be slightly different in adults. It's also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that help them succeed in work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To be able to receive 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 issues such as difficulty focussing on a task, or a tendency to forget 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 may be suffering from the disorder. However, the only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to see an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance. When you go to see an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history dating all the way back to childhood, and will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your work, school and family 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 people with ADHD cover up or deny their symptoms to others due to being scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A physical exam and a complete neurological history are also required. If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. In addition, they could recommend psychotherapy or other treatments that will help you learn to manage your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to aid you in working more efficiently, for example, making changes to your work environment and using planning and organizing apps. Diagnosis To determine ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. Your doctor will ask you to give an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how it has affected your life. He or she may also ask about your family history, as it's common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely undergo a series of psychological tests to assess your functioning, including behavioral rating scales. Your doctor might also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while using a smartphone or computer to determine how you perform under different conditions. You may even take an IQ test to measure your cognitive capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria that must be met to qualify for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. These include having at least six months of symptoms and their significant impact on multiple settings in your life such as school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms caused you significant issues prior to the age of 12. It is important to recognize that many different factors can cause or mimic ADHD. For instance, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can all cause the same symptoms as ADHD. Bring any records of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know the medications you're taking or taking and if you've suffered a head injury or illness. Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with medication for adults suffering from ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who is specialized in treating adults suffering from ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, or calling your insurance company to check for the specialists they cover, or going to an organization that offers support locally. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who will perform an extensive evaluation and determine your disorder. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the problems you're experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have led to them in being dismissed from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history as well as any previous health issues, such as anxiety or depression. You will likely be asked to fill out a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to fill out and consists of 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. assessment of adult adhd will also inquire about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. It may be embarrassing to discuss these issues however, your doctor needs to know about it so that they can assist. Your doctor may want to speak with your coworkers or teachers in order to understand the difficulties you're facing. This does not mean that your doctor is judging you or blames you. It's simply to help them better know how ADHD can impact a person's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms. For instance a learning disorder or mood disorder. You may also be asked to undergo a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions. Your doctor might ask you to bring any records, such as old reports or performance evaluations at work. Your doctor may also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your life as when you were a child. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to a professional who can perform an exhaustive evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). Many insurance plans provide the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also contact local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider. In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your clinician will ask you about your symptoms and the difficulties they cause in your daily life. This includes work and school performance as well as other aspects of your life. Your clinician may ask to speak with your co-workers or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, but to get additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or sporadic memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get as much information as possible before making an assessment. Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people with ADHD learn to manage their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to aid in ADHD treatment. While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using various tools available on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are not tested or validated scientifically and should only serve as general guidelines. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are so used to their challenges that they are able to ignore them. They might think that they are just not doing their best or that it is their fault that they can't keep up with their work or social commitments. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's fault and are more neurological. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This will result in greater success in your job, improved personal relationships and a more fulfilling life for those who are around you.