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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to get a proper diagnosis. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis can only be made with a professional evaluation. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD affects people of all ages, however symptoms in adults may look slightly different. Adults with ADHD are able to use their symptoms to achieve success at work and in relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can 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 different areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your focus on your task or remembering things are examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD. If you think you might have symptoms of ADHD, there are self-tests and ratings scales available online to help you determine if you may be suffering from the disorder. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see an expert in the disorder. Ask your primary physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. When you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, highlighting the way your illness has affected your school, work and home life. They'll also inquire about any drug or alcohol usage, driving history and what your relationships with your family and friends have been. It is crucial to be truthful when you are speaking with your examiner. Adults with ADHD might conceal or minimize symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be ruled out before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations should also be conducted. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, including making changes to your work environment as well as using tools for organizing and planning. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive account of your symptoms. This includes when they first started and how it has affected your life. He or she will also inquire about your family history, since it is common for ADHD to be a family trait. Your doctor will also perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You may be asked to complete several tests in the field of psychology that include behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your functioning. Your doctor may also ask you to complete math or reading tasks using a smartphone or computer to determine how you perform under different conditions. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to measure your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six consecutive months and have a significant impact in multiple areas of your life such as school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are a variety of things that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for example are all possible causes of the symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know which medications you're taking in the event of a need and if you've suffered a head injury, or illness. Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This form of treatment helps you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure they don't hinder your ability to function in your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or utilized on its own for people suffering from ADHD. Consult your primary care doctor to refer you to a mental health specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and ask what specialists are covered. You can also join an organization that offers support locally. Treatment Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare professional should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your disorder. During your appointment, be honest with your doctor about the issues you're having at home and at work. Your doctor will inquire about any major problems you have faced, such as being dismissed or failing a class. adhd adult questionnaire will also inquire about your family history and prior health issues, like depression or anxiety. You are likely to be asked to fill out 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 how often you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will consider your answers and give you a score indicating whether you should seek formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to discuss these issues but your doctor has to know so that they can assist. In certain instances your doctor may decide to speak with your coworkers or your teachers to learn more about the difficulties you are having. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you, rather, it is to help them understand how ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at work or in school. Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance the mood disorder or a learning disorder. You could also be asked to undergo a physical examination to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical issues. Your doctor may ask you to bring any records, such as old reports or performance appraisals at work. Your doctor may also want to know if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your daily life as an infant. Support If you suspect you have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can conduct an exhaustive assessment. These experts include licensed mental health providers such as doctors and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family physicians). Many insurance plans will have lists of professionals who are qualified in your area, and you can also contact local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider. In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your doctor will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the issues they cause in your daily life. This includes your school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your doctor may want to meet with your coworkers and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, it's to gain additional information. Many adults with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood, and it's essential that your doctor obtain as much relevant information as possible to determine the cause. Depending on your problem depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that assists people suffering from ADHD cope with challenges and increase their power. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD. While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using several 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 serve as general guidelines. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their problems that they take them for granted. They may assume that they're simply not good at things or that it's their fault that they have trouble keeping their work or social commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD aren't the result of an individual's fault and are more neurological. However, you can gain control over your ADHD with the right treatment and transform it into a positive force. This could result in greater success in your career as well as improved relationships with your family and friends. an improved quality of life for your family and friends around you.