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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may have ADHD, it's important to be diagnosed. 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, a valid diagnosis can only be made with a professional evaluation. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD affects people of all ages, but the symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. It is also possible for people with ADHD to be able to transform their issues into tools that allow them to succeed in relationships and work. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant problems in at least two different areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your focus on tasks or having trouble remembering things are two examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD. If you think you have symptoms of ADHD there are ratings scales and self-tests online that can help determine whether or not you might have the disorder. However, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary doctor for a recommendation or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. If you visit an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, including the way your illness has affected your work, school and family life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drug usage, driving history and what your relationship with family and friends been. It is essential to be honest when you're speaking to your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD cover up or minimize their symptoms from others due to being afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Before a diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is crucial to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. A thorough neurological history and physical examinations should also be performed. If your results indicate that you have ADHD If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD, they might prescribe medication. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to help you work more efficiently, including making changes to your surroundings and utilizing tools for organizing and planning. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to determine the presence of ADHD. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms that include when they first began and how they've affected your life. He or she will also inquire about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, as well to determine if there are any medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely be asked to complete a series tests in the field of psychology which include scales for behavioral ratings for assessing your ability to function. You may be asked to complete math or reading tasks on the phone, computer or tablet to assess your performance in various situations. You might even have an IQ test to measure your cognitive capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. These include having at minimum six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various situations in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms led to serious problems prior to the age of 12. It's important to recognize that there are many different things that can trigger or mimic ADHD. For instance, stress, other mental health issues and certain medications can all cause some of the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know the medications you're taking or taking, and if you've ever suffered a head injury or illness. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” in the case of ADHD, can be extremely beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or utilized on its own for those suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a specialist in mental health who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. Or, visit an area support group. Treatment Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor will refer you to a mental health professional who will carry out a full evaluation and diagnose the problem. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the issues you're experiencing at work and home. Your doctor will want to know about any major issues that have led to them from being fired from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and any previous health issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder. You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and includes 18 questions which ask you to rate the frequency with that you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a an assessment of whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis. In addition, your doctor will ask you about the problems you have in relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues, but it is important for your doctor to know about them in order to assist you. In some cases, your doctor will want to talk with your co-workers or teachers to learn more about the challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging or blaming you. It's simply to help them better understand how ADHD can impact a person's ability at work or in school. uk adult adhd may also suggest that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or a mood disorder. You can also have an examination for physicals to ensure that there aren't any medical issues causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also ask to see any records that you have, such as performance evaluations from your job or report cards from school. Your doctor may also want to know if you're ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your life as an infant. Support If you suspect you might have ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is essential to speak with a professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health specialists such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). A lot of insurance plans offer lists of professionals who are qualified in your area, and you can also contact local support groups for help in finding a suitable service. Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. This includes your school and work performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your doctor may want to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This is not to question your honesty; it's simply to gain additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood, and it's important that your specialist obtain as much pertinent information as possible to determine the cause. Based on the issue you're facing, your physician may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which aids people with ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment. If you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are many tools available on the Internet that let you evaluate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools are neither tested or validated scientifically and should only be used as general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to be so comfortable with their problems that they begin to ignore them. They might think that they're simply not skilled at something or that it's their own responsibility for not keeping their social or work commitments on the right track. The symptoms of ADHD are not caused by a personal failure and are more neurological. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and transform it into something constructive. This will lead to greater success in your work and personal relationships, as well as an improved quality of life for you and others around you.