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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you suspect that you might have ADHD it is important to get a proper diagnosis. This will help you manage symptoms and take control of your life. ADHD self assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you might have symptoms common in adult ADHD however, a valid diagnosis requires an evaluation by a professional. This could be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Signs and symptoms ADHD can affect anyone of all ages, but the symptoms can be slightly different in adults. Adults with ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to succeed at work and in relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and continue to cause issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble focussing on a task, or a tendency to forget things. There are self-tests online or rating scales that can aid in determining if you might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to receive a definitive diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to speak with a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance. They will review your medical history including your childhood and how your health issues affected your schooling at work, home, and school. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drugs usage, driving history and how you relate to your family and friends. It's crucial to be honest with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Some medical conditions, including seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is determined. A thorough neurological history as well as a physical exam will also be performed. If your tests show that you have ADHD, then your doctor might prescribe medication. They might also suggest therapy or behavioral treatments to help you manage your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to help you work more efficiently, for example, making changes to your work environment and utilizing software for planning and organizing. Diagnosis To determine ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive history of your symptoms, including when they first began and how they've affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history, since it's common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will do physical examinations as well to determine if there are any medical issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely be asked to complete several tests in the field of psychology, including behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your functioning. You may be asked to perform reading or math tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to determine your performance in various situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to determine your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This includes the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various settings in your life such as work or school. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of problems prior to the age of 12. It is important to recognize that many different factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, other mental health issues and certain medications can all lead to the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have records from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know which medications you're taking or taking, and if you've ever had a head injury or illness. private adhd assessment for adults who suffer from ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment method helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms, so that they don't hinder your ability to function in your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication for adults with ADHD. You can locate an expert in mental health who is specialized in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, calling your insurance company to check which specialists they cover or visiting a local support group. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary health care provider in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to an expert in mental health that can conduct a full assessment to determine the cause of your disorder. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about any issues you are experiencing at work and home. The doctor will ask you about any major issues you've had to face, such as being fired or failing a class. 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 may be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and includes 18 questions that require you to rate the frequency that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will review your answers and provide you with a a score indicating whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. Additionally, your doctor will ask you about the problems you have in relationships at work and home. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these difficulties but it's important for your doctor to be aware about them so they can help you. Your doctor might want to discuss your issues with your colleagues or teachers to understand the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, rather, it is to assist them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can impact a person's ability to perform at work or school. Your doctor might also suggest to undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or a mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues. Your doctor might ask you to bring along any documents, like old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. It's also beneficial for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent however they weren't serious enough to impact your life at the 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 a full assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health professionals such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor). Many insurance companies provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also seek out local support groups for assistance in finding a suitable provider. In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your clinician will also inquire about your symptoms and the issues they cause in your daily life. This includes work and school performance as well as other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to meet with your coworkers and teachers or to request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, it's to gain additional information. Many adults with ADHD suffer from poor or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather the most information you can before making the diagnosis. Depending on the issue you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which aids people suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and develop their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to aid in ADHD treatment. While you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are many tools on the Internet that let you assess your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools aren't standardized or scientifically validated, and should only be used to provide general guidance. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their difficulties that they are able to ignore them. They might think that they're simply not good at things or that it's their own responsibility for not keeping their work or social commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by a personal failure, but are rather neurological. If you are treated properly, you can gain control of your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This could lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships and a richer life for you and those around you.