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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis if you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD. This will help you manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can alert you to the fact that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD however, a valid diagnosis requires an evaluation by a specialist. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Signs and symptoms ADHD affects people of all ages, but symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. Adults with ADHD are able to use their symptoms to succeed at work and in relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. For a diagnosis to be made, symptoms must persist from childhood and cause issues in two areas of life. Having a hard time keeping your focus to your work or remembering things are examples of issues that could be caused by ADHD. There are self-tests online or rating scales that can aid in determining if you might be suffering from ADHD. However the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist through your health insurance's online directory. When you go to see an expert, they'll look over your medical and psychiatric history dating all the way back to childhood, and will discuss the way your illness has affected your school, work and personal life. They'll also inquire about your alcohol and drug usage, driving history and how you interact with family and friends. It is essential to be truthful when you're speaking to your examiner. Many adults with ADHD cover up or minimize their symptoms from others due to being scared of criticism or embarrassed. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Before the diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a thorough neurological history will also be given. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. They may also recommend psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to help you manage your ADHD. They may also recommend that you make changes to your workplace and employ tools for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient. Diagnosis A professional assessment is necessary to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will require you to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they began and how they have affected your life. The doctor will also ask you about your family history, as ADHD is typically caused by genetics. Your doctor will also perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely undergo an array of psychological tests to evaluate your performance, including behavioral rating scales. You could be asked to complete math or reading tasks using the phone, computer or tablet to determine how you perform in different situations. You could also be offered an IQ test in order to assess your cognitive capabilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria which must be met in order to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. These include the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms, and their significant impact on a variety of settings in your life like school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12. It is important to recognize that many different factors can cause or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, other mental health issues and certain medications can all cause certain symptoms as ADHD. If you have records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations Bring them to your appointment. Your doctor must know if you are taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered a head injury. Adults with ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment can help you develop better coping strategies and skills 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 mental health specialist who treats adults with ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and inquire which specialists are covered. Visit a local support group. 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 will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your condition. During your visit, you should be honest about the difficulties you're experiencing at work as well as at home. Your doctor will be interested in knowing about any major problems that have arisen from being fired from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health problems, such as depression or anxiety. You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire is about five minutes long and includes 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency with which you experience adult ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will consider your answers and provide you with a a score indicating whether you should seek formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire about your problems in your relationships at home and at work. It might be uncomfortable to discuss these issues however, your doctor needs to know about it so that they can assist. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with your coworkers or teachers to understand the issues you're having to face. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you or blames you. It's just to help them comprehend the ways ADHD can impact a person's performance at work or at school. Your doctor may also recommend that you undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example a learning disability or a mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions. Your doctor might ask you to bring along any records, including old reports or performance appraisals at work. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at the time. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is essential to consult an expert. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental healthcare providers such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family physicians). Many insurance companies provide an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the area. You can also contact local support organizations for assistance in finding a suitable provider. Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your daily life. This includes work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may decide to talk with co-workers and teachers or to request 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 people with ADHD have shaky or faulty memories, particularly from childhood. It's important that your specialist obtain as much pertinent information as possible to establish a diagnosis. Depending on Read the Full Report facing, your physician might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people with ADHD overcome their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment. While you're waiting for a professional evaluation There are a variety of tools on the Internet that let you evaluate your own symptoms. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a variety of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated, and should be used only to provide general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they overlook them. They may think that they're not skilled at something or that it's their fault for having trouble keeping their work or social commitments in order. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by a personal failure and are more neurological. With the right treatment however, you can regain control of your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This can lead to more success in your career and personal relationships, as well as a more fulfilling life for those around you.