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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step in managing symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you that you may have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis can only be made with an evaluation by a professional. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms ADHD can affect people of any age, but the symptoms might be slightly different in adults. Adults with 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 diagnosed, established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant issues in two areas of life. ADHD can cause problems like difficulty in focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things. There are online self-tests and rating scales that can aid in determining if you might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to consult a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a recommendation or search for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory. If you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, highlighting the way your illness has affected 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 crucial to be open with your examiner. Adults with ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, can have similar symptoms to ADHD and must be checked out before an ADHD diagnosis is made. A thorough neurological history and physical examinations will be also conducted. If your tests show that you have ADHD If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, they may prescribe medication. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to assist you in managing your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to assist you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your work environment as well as using tools for organizing and planning. Diagnosis A professional assessment is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how it has affected your life. The doctor may also ask about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will also perform physical exams to rule out medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely be asked to complete an array of tests for your psychological health, including behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your ability to function. You may be asked to complete math or reading tasks using the phone, computer or tablet to determine your performance in different situations. You could also be offered an IQ test to determine your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms and a significant impact on multiple settings in your life like school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms caused you significant issues prior to the age of 12. It's important to recognize that there are a variety of factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress mental health issues, stress, and certain medications, for instance, can all cause some of the symptoms similar to ADHD. Bring any evidence of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you are taking any medications and if you have ever suffered an injury to your head. Adults who suffer from ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment aids in developing more effective strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for those suffering from ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating adults suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care provider for a referral, or 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 should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your appointment, be open about the issues you're having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will be looking for any major issues that have led to them from being fired from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history and any health issues that you've had in the past like anxiety disorders or depression. You are likely to be asked to fill out a survey like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire is approximately five minutes long, and it contains 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency at which you are experiencing adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will review your answers and give you a score indicating whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these difficulties, but it is important that your doctor is aware about them so they can help you. In some cases your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to find out more about the challenges you're experiencing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging your behavior; instead, it's to assist them in understanding the ways in which ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor might also suggest that you undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or mood disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical exam to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions. Your doctor may also request to see any records with you, such as performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. private adhd assessment adults '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 impact your life at the time. Support If you suspect you have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide a full assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health specialists such as clinical psychologists, and physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). Many insurance plans offer lists of professionals who are qualified in your area. you can also contact local support groups for help in finding an appropriate provider. Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and how they impact your life. This includes your work and school performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may request that you talk to your colleagues as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty; it's simply to gain additional information. Many people with ADHD suffer from weak or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get the most information you can before making an assessment. Based on the issue you're facing, your physician may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD. While you're waiting for a professional assessment There are a variety of tools on the Internet that allow you to rate 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. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become comfortable with their problems that they begin to ignore them. They may think that they're just not very skilled at something or that it's their own fault that they have trouble maintaining their work or social commitments on the right track. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a result of a personal flaw. However, you can regain control over your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into a positive force. This will bring you more success in your career, improved personal relationships and a more fulfilling life for your family and friends who are around you.