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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This is the first step towards managing symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the possibility of having symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis can only be made with a professional evaluation. This can be an expert in clinical psychology, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms can be slightly different in adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to transform their issues into tools that help them succeed in work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be able to receive an assessment, the symptoms must have remained consistent since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two areas of your life. Finding it difficult to keep your focus on tasks or having trouble remembering things are two examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD. There are online self-tests or rating scales that can help you determine if you may be suffering from ADHD. However the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to visit a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. 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 records going back to childhood, highlighting how your symptoms have affected your work, school and family life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drug usage, driving history and what your relationships with family and friends been. It is essential to be truthful when you are speaking with your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to conceal or cover up their symptoms from others because they're afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Certain medical conditions, including seizures and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be ruled out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is established. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history are also required. If your tests show that you have ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. In addition, they may suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest you make changes to your workplace and employ planning and organizing apps to help you become more efficient. Diagnosis To diagnose ADHD, a professional evaluation is required. Your doctor will take a comprehensive history of your symptoms and the time they started and how they've affected your life. They might also inquire about your family history as it's common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor will do physical examinations 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 subject to several psychological tests to assess your performance such as behavioral rating scales. Your doctor may also ask you to perform reading or math tasks while using a smartphone or computer to assess how you do under different conditions. You might even have an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met for the diagnosis of adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on a variety of situations in your life, like school or work. Your doctor will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms led to significant problems before the age of 12. It is important to realize that there are a variety of things that can trigger or mimic ADHD. For example, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can all cause certain symptoms as 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, if any, and if you've ever suffered a head injury, or illness. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” in the case of ADHD is beneficial for adults struggling with this disorder. This treatment can help you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they don't affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or together with medication for adults with ADHD. You can locate a mental health professional who specializes in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care provider for a referral, contacting your insurance provider to inquire which specialists they cover, or going to a local support group. Treatment If you think you may have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor will refer you to a mental health professional who will perform an extensive evaluation and determine your problem. During adhd assessment in adults , you should be honest about the difficulties you are having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will ask about any major problems you've had to face like being fired or failing in a class. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any previous health issues like depression or an anxiety disorder. You will likely be asked to fill out a survey like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and comprises 18 questions that ask you to indicate how often you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and provide you with scores that indicate whether you should take a look at an official diagnosis. In addition, your doctor will inquire about the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. It can be embarrassing to talk about these problems but your doctor has to know so that they can help. In some cases your doctor may decide to talk to your coworkers or teachers to learn more about the issues you're facing. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging you, instead, it's to help them understand the ways in which ADHD can impact a person's ability to perform at school or work. Your doctor may also recommend to undergo psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a learning disability or mood disorder. You can also have a physical exam to ensure that there aren't any medical issues causing your symptoms. Your doctor may request any records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations from your workplace. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child, but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at the time. Support If you suspect ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to a professional who can perform a full evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). A lot of insurance plans offer the names of qualified professionals in the area. You can also seek out local support organizations for assistance in finding a good provider. In addition to taking a detailed medical history, your clinician will also ask you questions about your symptoms and the issues they create in your life. This includes school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may ask to speak with your co-workers as well as teachers, or ask for old school records. This isn't an attempt to question your sincerity or your commitment to a particular cause; it's simply to obtain more details. Many adults with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain the most relevant information possible to determine the cause. Based on the issue you're having, your specialist may suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which aids people suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT can be combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment. While you wait for a medical evaluation, you can rate your symptoms using various tools on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools aren't tested or validated scientifically and should be used only as general guidance. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD are so accustomed to their problems that they are able to ignore them. They may think that they are just not good enough or that it's their fault that they can't keep up with their work or social commitments. The reality is that symptoms of ADHD are neurological and are not a fault of the individual. With the right treatment, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and transform it into something positive. This can result in greater success in your job as well as improved relationships with your family and friends. an improved quality of life for those who are around you.