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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you think you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to be diagnosed. This will be the first step towards controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can inform you to the possibility of having symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible through a professional evaluation. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Signs and symptoms ADHD is a problem that affects all ages, however symptoms in adults may look slightly different. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also use their symptoms to help them succeed in their work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. To qualify for a diagnosis, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and continue to cause issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like having trouble in focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things. There are online self-tests or rating scales that can aid in determining if you might be suffering from ADHD. However the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary physician for a recommendation or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. If you visit an expert, they'll go over your medical and psychiatric records going back to childhood, highlighting the way your illness has affected your work, school and family life. They'll also inquire about any alcohol or drug use, your driving history, and what your relationships with family and friends been. It's crucial to be open with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Some medical conditions, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may have similar symptoms as ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is determined. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history will also be provided. If your results show that you have ADHD Your doctor may prescribe medications. Additionally, they might recommend psychotherapy or other treatments that will assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They might also recommend accommodations to aid you in working more efficiently, such as making changes to your work environment and using software for planning and organizing. Diagnosis To determine if you have ADHD an evaluation by a professional is required. Your doctor will take complete notes on your symptoms, including 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 be a family trait. Your doctor will do a physical exam, in addition to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely be asked to complete a series psychological tests, including behavioral ratings scales, in order to assess your ability to function. You may be asked to perform math or reading tasks using phones, computers or tablet to assess your performance in different situations. You may even take an IQ test to evaluate 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 school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to realize that many different things can trigger or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, mental health issues, and certain medications can all lead to some of the same symptoms as ADHD. Bring any evidence of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you're taking any medication 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 type of treatment can help you learn better coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms and ensure that they don't interfere with your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. You can find a mental health professional who is specialized in treating adults suffering from ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, contacting your insurance company to check on what specialists they cover or by visiting an organization that offers support locally. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary healthcare professional if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a mental healthcare specialist who will conduct a full evaluation and diagnose your disorder. During your appointment, you should be honest with your doctor about the problems you're experiencing at home and at work. Your doctor will be looking for any major issues that have resulted in being dismissed from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will also ask about your family history and any previous health problems, such as depression or anxiety. You will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire like the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to fill out and is comprised of 18 questions asking you to rate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into consideration and provide you with an assessment that will indicate whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these issues however it is essential that your doctor is aware about them so they can assist you. In certain instances your doctor may want to talk to your coworkers or teachers to learn more about the challenges you're experiencing. This doesn't mean that 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 school. Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. For example a mood disorder or learning disorder. adhd assessment for adults can also have an examination to make sure that there are no medical issues that are causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also ask to bring any documents with you, like performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards from your school. It's also beneficial for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at the time. Support If you suspect you might have ADHD It is crucial to seek out a professional. They can conduct a thorough assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and doctors (psychiatrist, neurologist or family doctor). Many insurance plans provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in locating a suitable provider. In addition to taking a thorough medical history, your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and the issues they create in your life. This includes school and work performance, relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may decide to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty, but to get additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from poor or sporadic memories, especially from childhood. It's important to get as much information as possible before making the diagnosis. Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help people suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and harness their strengths. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD. If you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools on the Internet that let you assess your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are available. These tools aren't standardized nor scientifically validated and should be used only as general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they ignore them. They might think that they're just not very skilled at something or that it's their responsibility for not keeping their work or social commitments on track. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by an individual's fault and are more neurological. You can, however, regain control over your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into an effective force. This will lead to greater success in your job and personal relationships, as well as a more fulfilling life for you and those who are around you.