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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to get a proper diagnosis. This will be the first step to controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life. ADHD self assessment tools can help you recognize that you might have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Signs and symptoms ADHD can affect people of any age, but the symptoms might differ slightly in adults. Adults with ADHD are able to use their symptoms to achieve success at work and in 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 to your work or remembering things are two 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 online that can help determine if you could be suffering from the disorder. However the only way to receive a definitive diagnosis is to see a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary care physician for a referral or look up an ADHD specialist in the online directory of your health insurance. When you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, highlighting how your symptoms have impacted your school, work and home life. They will also ask about your drug and alcohol use, driving record, and how you interact with family and friends. It's important to be honest with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may have similar symptoms to ADHD and must be checked out before an ADHD diagnosis is established. Full Record detailed neurological history and physical examinations should also be conducted. If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor may prescribe medications. They might also suggest psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. Full Record might also suggest you make changes to your workplace environment and utilize tools for planning and organizing to help you be more efficient. Diagnosis To determine if you have ADHD, a professional evaluation is required. Your doctor will conduct complete notes on your symptoms and the time they started and how they've affected your life. He or she will also inquire about your family history since ADHD is usually inherited. Your doctor will perform physical examinations in addition, to determine if there are any medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid issues. You'll likely be asked to take several tests for your psychological health, including behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your ability to function. Your doctor might also ask you to do math or reading exercises using a phone or computer to see how you perform under different conditions. You may even be given an IQ test in order to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met to qualify for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. This includes 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 you significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to understand that a variety of factors can trigger or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, other mental health issues, and certain medications can all cause the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have records from previous psychological testing or performance evaluations bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will want to know if you are taking any medication and the last time you suffered an injury to your head. Psychotherapy, or “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 so that they don't interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be paired with medication or used on its own for people suffering from ADHD. You can find an expert in mental health who is specialized in treating adults with ADHD by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or calling your insurance provider to inquire on what specialists they cover or by visiting an organization that offers support locally. Treatment If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health specialist who will conduct a full evaluation and diagnose your problem. During your visit, you should be honest about the problems you are having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major problems that have led to them from being fired from the job or failing to pass classes. Your doctor will inquire about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past such as depression or an anxiety disorder. 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 comprises 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will then take your answers into account and provide you with a score that indicates whether you should take a look at an official diagnosis. Your doctor may also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. It is possible that you feel embarrassed talking about these issues, but it is important for your doctor to know about them so they can help you. In certain instances your doctor may decide to talk with your co-workers or teachers to learn more about the difficulties you're facing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, instead, it's to assist them in understanding how ADHD can affect someone's ability to function at school or work. Your doctor may also suggest to undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You can also have an examination for physicals to make sure that there are no medical issues that cause your symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to bring along any documents, like old report cards or performance evaluations at work. It's also beneficial for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent, but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at that time. Support If you think you may be suffering from ADHD, it is important to speak with a professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers like physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family physicians). A lot of insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals who are qualified in the region. You can also contact local support groups for assistance in finding a suitable provider. Your doctor will also inquire with you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. This includes school and work performance as well as other aspects of your daily life. Your physician may request that you talk to your coworkers or teachers, or request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty; it's simply to get additional information. Many people with ADHD have poor or inconsistent memories, especially from their childhood. It's crucial that your specialist gathers as much pertinent information as possible to determine the cause. Based on the issue you are facing Your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a treatment that helps those suffering from ADHD overcome challenges and increase their power. CBT is often combined with medications for ADHD treatment. While you're waiting for a professional evaluation, there are several tools on the Internet that allow you to assess your own symptoms. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a number of online questionnaires. These tools aren't standardised nor are they scientifically validated, and should only serve as general guidelines. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are so accustomed to their problems that they are able to ignore them. They might think that they're simply not proficient at certain things or that it's their own fault that they have trouble keeping their work or social commitments on the right track. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by an individual's fault, but are rather neurological. However, you can get control of your ADHD by implementing the correct treatment and turn it into an asset. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as a better life for yourself and your family members.