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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may have ADHD it is important to be diagnosed. This is the first step towards managing symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can provide you with the knowledge that you may have symptoms common to adult ADHD but a proper diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified. This can be a clinical psychologist, physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD can be a problem for anyone at any age, however the symptoms may be slightly different in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to achieve success at work and in relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. For a diagnosis to be established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant difficulties in two different areas of daily life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble focussing on a task, or a tendency to forget things. There are online self-tests and rating scales that can help you determine if you might have ADHD. However, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to visit a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Consult your primary care physician for a referral, or look up an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance. When you go to see a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric records going back to childhood, highlighting how your symptoms have affected your work, school and personal life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drugs you usage, driving history and what your relationships with your family and friends have been. It is important to be truthful when you're speaking to your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the evaluation process more difficult. Some medical conditions, including seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and must be checked out before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations will also be performed. If your results show that you have ADHD your doctor may prescribe medications. Additionally, they might suggest psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments that will assist you in overcoming your ADHD. They may also recommend you make changes to your work environment and use planning and organizing apps to help you become more efficient. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will ask you to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how it has affected your life. He or she will also ask you about your family history as ADHD is often inherited. Your doctor may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You will likely be asked to complete an array of tests in the field of psychology that include behavioral ratings scales to evaluate your functioning. You could be asked to perform reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to see your performance in various situations. You could also be offered an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria for determining adult ADHD. This includes the presence of at minimum six months of symptoms and a significant impact on various settings in your life such as work or school. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12. It is important to recognize that many different things can cause or mimic ADHD. For instance stress, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can all lead to the same symptoms as ADHD. Bring any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know the medications you're taking, if any and if you've had a head injury or illness. Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment can help you develop more effective strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a mental health professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and ask which specialists are covered. You can also join an area support group. Treatment Schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare professional if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose your condition. 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 issues you've faced like being fired or failing a class. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and prior health issues, like depression or anxiety. You will likely be asked to fill out a survey such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and is comprised of 18 questions asking you to rate the frequency with which you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and provide you with a an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. In addition your doctor will also inquire about the issues you face in your relationships at work and home. It may be embarrassing to talk about these problems, but your doctor needs to know so that they can assist. Your doctor might want to speak with your coworkers or teachers in order to better understand the challenges you're having to face. This doesn't mean that your doctor is judging or blames you. adhd assessment adults 's simply to help them better comprehend how ADHD can affect someone's performance at work or at school. Your doctor may also suggest that you undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by medical conditions. Your doctor might also ask to bring any documents with you, such as performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from your school. It's also helpful for your doctor to know if you've had any ADHD symptoms in your adolescent or childhood but they weren't severe enough to affect your life at the time. Support If you suspect you have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can provide a full evaluation. These experts include licensed mental health providers, such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist family doctors). Many insurance companies provide the names of qualified professionals in the region. You can also reach out to local support groups for assistance in locating a suitable provider. In adhd assessment adults to taking a thorough medical history, your physician will also inquire about your symptoms and the problems they create in your life. This covers your work and school performance as well as your relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may wish to meet with your coworkers and teachers or to request old school records. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty; it's simply to gain additional information. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from poor or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather as much information as possible before making a diagnosis. Based on the issue you are facing Your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) A treatment that helps people with ADHD cope with challenges and maximize their strengths. CBT can be combined with medication to help with ADHD treatment. While you wait for a professional evaluation, you can assess your symptoms using several tools available on Internet. These include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a range of online questionnaires. These tools are not standardised nor are they scientifically validated, and should only be used as general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become familiar with their challenges that they take them for granted. They may assume that they're simply not good at things 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 failure or a lack of motivation, but rather a result of a neurological. However, you can gain control over your ADHD with the proper treatment and turn it into a positive force. This can lead to more success in your career and personal relationships and an improved quality of life for you and others around you.