ADHD - Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you may have ADHD, it's important to receive a diagnosis. This is the first step in controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD. However an accurate diagnosis is only possible with an assessment by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologists) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD affects people of all ages, however symptoms in adults might appear different. Adults suffering from ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to help achieve success at work and in relationships. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. To be eligible for an assessment, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and continue to cause significant issues in at least two areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems such as difficulty focusing on a task or a tendency to forget things. There are self-tests online or rating scales that can help you determine if you might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD for adults is to see an expert doctor who is trained to treat the disorder. Ask your primary doctor for a referral, or search online for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. When you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric history going 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 drug and alcohol usage, driving history and how you interact with your family and friends. It's essential to be honest with your examiner. Adults with ADHD might conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD and should be ruled out prior to an ADHD diagnosis is made. A thorough neurological history as well as physical examinations should be also conducted. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication. In addition, they could recommend psychotherapy or other behavioral therapies that can help you learn to manage your ADHD. They may also recommend adjustments to help you work more efficiently, including making changes to your surroundings and using tools for organizing and planning. Diagnosis To determine if you have ADHD, a thorough evaluation is required. 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 may also ask about your family history as it's common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body, as well to determine if there are any medical issues that may be causing ADHD symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely be asked to complete several tests for your psychological health which include scales for behavioral ratings to evaluate your functioning. You could be asked to complete math or reading tasks on phones, computers or tablet to determine your performance in different situations. You could even be asked to take an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established criteria which must be met in order to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months consecutively and have significant effects in several areas of your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms caused you significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are many different things that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, other mental health issues, and some medications can all cause the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have any documentation from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations Bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know the medications you're taking or taking, 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 who are struggling with this disorder. This treatment method helps you improve your coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure they don't interfere with your ability to live your daily life. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or in conjunction with medication for adults with ADHD. You can find an expert in mental health who is specialized in treating people suffering from ADHD by asking your primary healthcare provider for a referral, contacting your insurance provider to inquire on what specialists they cover, or going to a local support group. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert in mental health who can conduct a full assessment to determine the cause of your condition. During your visit, be open about the issues you're experiencing at work as well as at home. The doctor will ask you about any major issues you've had to face, such as being fired or failing in a class. Your doctor will ask about your family history and any previous health issues such as anxiety disorders or depression. You may be asked to complete an assessment, such as the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). This questionnaire takes about five minutes to complete and is comprised of 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will take into account your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. Your doctor may also inquire about your issues in your relationships at home and at work. You might feel embarrassed speaking about these difficulties but it's important for your doctor to know about them so they can assist you. Your doctor may want to talk to your colleagues or teachers in order to understand the difficulties you're having to face. This does not mean that your doctor is judging you or blames you. It's simply to help them comprehend the ways ADHD can affect a person's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor may also recommend that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as an intellectual disability or mood disorder. You can also have an examination for physicals to ensure there aren't any medical issues that are causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also request to see any records 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 had any ADHD symptoms as a child or adolescent, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at that time. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide an extensive assessment. These professionals include licensed mental healthcare providers, such as clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrists and neurologists, or family physicians). Many insurance companies provide a list of qualified professionals in the area. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in locating a suitable provider. Your clinician will also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your daily life. This includes your work and school performance as well as your relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your doctor may request to talk to your coworkers, teachers, or request old school records. This is not to question your honesty, it's to gather additional information. Many adults with ADHD suffer from weak or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It is essential to gather as much information as you can before making an assessment. Depending on your problem depending on your situation, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) A treatment that helps people with ADHD overcome obstacles and maximize their strengths. CBT is often combined with medications to help with ADHD treatment. While you're waiting for a professional assessment There are many tools available on the Internet that let you assess your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are also available. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated, and should be used only to provide general guidance. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their problems that they take them for granted. They may think that they're just not good enough or that it is their fault that they are unable to keep up with their work or social commitments. The reality is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a fault of the individual. With the right treatment you can gain 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 an improved quality of life for you and your family members.