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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step in controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the possibility of having symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However the diagnosis is only possible with an assessment by a professional. This could be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD can be a problem for anyone of all ages, but the symptoms might be different for adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to transform their issues into tools to help them achieve success in their work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. For a diagnosis to be established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant difficulties in two different areas of daily life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focussing on a task, or a tendency to forget things. If you think you have symptoms of ADHD, there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help you determine whether or not you could be suffering from the disorder. However, the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to see an expert in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance. They will go over your medical history including your childhood and how your medical conditions affected your schooling at work, home, and school. They'll also ask you about any drug or alcohol use, your driving history, and what your relationships with family and friends have been. It is important to be honest when speaking to your examiner. Adults with ADHD may hide or minimize symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Before a diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. Suggested Web page and a thorough neurological history are also required. If your results suggest that you have ADHD If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, they may prescribe medication. They might also suggest therapy or behavioral treatments to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to aid you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your work environment as well as using software for planning and organizing. Diagnosis To diagnose ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. Your doctor will conduct an extensive history of your symptoms and the time they started and how they've affected your life. He or she might also inquire about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, as well to determine if there are any medical issues that may be causing ADHD symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues. You'll likely go through several psychological tests to determine your performance, including behavioral rating scales. You could be asked to complete reading or math tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to determine how you perform in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. These include the presence of at least six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on various situations in your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will want to know whether your symptoms led to serious problems prior to the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are many different things that can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for example are all possible causes of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD. If you have records from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will want to be aware of whether you are taking any medications and if you have ever suffered a head injury. Adults who suffer from ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment helps you develop better coping strategies and skills to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for adults with ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who specializes in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, calling your insurance company to inquire on what specialists they cover or by visiting a local support group. Treatment If you suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who can conduct a full assessment to diagnose your disorder. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about any issues you are experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major issues that have arisen, such as being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any health issues that you've had in the past such as anxiety disorders or depression. You will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to fill out and is comprised of 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency with which you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and give you a score that indicates whether you need to take a look at a formal diagnosis. Additionally the doctor will inquire about the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. It is possible that you feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties however it is essential for your doctor to be aware about them to assist you. In some cases your doctor may want 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 you; instead, it's to aid them in understanding how ADHD can impact a person's ability to function at work or school. Your doctor may recommend psychological tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For example a learning disorder or mood disorder. You could also undergo an examination for physicals to ensure that there aren't any medical conditions causing your symptoms. Your doctor might ask you to bring any records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations at work. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your daily life as a child. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide an exhaustive assessment. These professionals are licensed mental health providers, such as clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). A lot of insurance plans have lists of licensed professionals in your region, and you can also reach out to local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider. In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your physician will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This includes school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to talk with co-workers and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't an attempt to doubt your integrity; it's just to get more information. Many people with ADHD suffer from weak or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It's important to get as much information as you can before making the diagnosis. Depending on the issue you're experiencing, your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to aid in ADHD treatment. While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using a variety of tools on the Internet. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are neither standardized nor scientifically validated and should only be used as general guidelines. Undiagnosed ADHD can make people so comfortable with their problems, they tend to overlook them. They might think that they're just not very proficient at certain things or that it's their fault that they have trouble keeping their work or social commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by an individual's fault, but are rather neurological. However, you can get control of your ADHD with the proper treatment and transform it into a positive force. This will lead to more success in your career and personal relationships, as well as a more meaningful life for your family and friends who are around you.