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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you feel that you might have ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis. This will allow you to manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. ADHD self-assessment tools can help you recognize that you might have symptoms common to adult ADHD, but a valid diagnosis requires an evaluation by a professional. This could be a psychologist, neurologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms may differ slightly in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also utilize their symptoms to help succeed at work and in relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be able to determine if a diagnosis has been established, the symptoms must be present from childhood and cause issues in two areas of your life. ADHD can cause issues like difficulty focussing on a task, or even forgetting things. 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 receive an accurate diagnosis is to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Ask your primary physician for a referral or search online for an ADHD specialist through your health insurance directory. They will review your medical background including your childhood and how your medical conditions affected your life at school at work, home, and school. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drugs you use, your driving history, and how your relationships with your family and friends have been. It's important to be open with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD may hide or minimize their symptoms to avoid criticism or embarrassment. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Some medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, can have similar symptoms to ADHD and should be considered before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A physical exam and a complete neurological history will also be provided. If your results indicate that you suffer from ADHD, your doctor will likely prescribe medications. They may also recommend therapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They might also suggest you make changes to your workplace and employ planning and organizing apps to help you become more efficient. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is required to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will take a comprehensive history of your symptoms that include when they first started and how they've affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history as it's common for ADHD to occur in families. Your doctor will also perform physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms. These include thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely undergo several psychological tests to determine your functioning and performance, including scales for behavioral ratings. Your doctor might also ask you to complete reading or math tasks while on a computer or phone to see how you perform under various conditions. You might even have an IQ test to evaluate your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association has established standards that must be met for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. These include having at minimum six months of symptoms and their significant impact on various settings in your life, such as work or school. Your doctor will also want to know if your symptoms caused a substantial amount of trouble before age 12. It's important to recognize that there are many different things that can cause or mimic ADHD. For example stress, stress, mental health issues, and certain medications can all lead to the same symptoms as ADHD. If you have records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will also need to know which medications you're taking in the event of a need and if you've suffered a head injury, or illness. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” in the case of ADHD is beneficial for adults who are suffering from this disorder. This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms to ensure that they do not interfere with your daily life. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a mental health professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and ask which specialists are covered. Visit a local support group. Treatment If you think you have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can perform a full evaluation to diagnose your disorder. During your visit, be honest about the difficulties you are having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will inquire about any major issues you've had to face, such as being dismissed or failing a class. Your doctor will also ask about family history and previous health problems, such as depression or anxiety. You will likely be asked to fill out a survey such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to fill out and consists of 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you experience symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will consider your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. In addition the doctor will inquire about the issues you are having with your relationships at home and at work. It is possible that you feel embarrassed talking about these difficulties, but it is important that your doctor is aware about them to assist you. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to your colleagues or teachers in order to understand the issues you're confronting. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging your behavior; more so, it's to assist them in understanding how ADHD can impact a person's ability to function at school or work. Your doctor may suggest psychological tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example a mood disorder or a learning disorder. You can also have a physical exam to ensure that there are no medical issues that cause your symptoms. Your doctor might ask you to bring any records, including old reports or performance evaluations at work. It's also beneficial for your doctor to determine if you experienced any ADHD symptoms as a teenager or child, but they weren't severe enough to impact your life at that time. Support If you suspect ADHD, you should consult a professional who can perform an extensive assessment. These professionals include licensed mental health providers such as clinical psychologists, and doctors (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor). Many insurance plans will have lists of qualified professionals in your area, and you can also reach out to local support groups to assist in finding a suitable service. Your physician will also talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. This includes your work and school performance, as well as relationships and other aspects of your daily life. Your clinician may wish to talk with co-workers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't to question your honesty; it's simply to gather additional information. Many adults with ADHD suffer from weak or spotty memories, particularly from childhood. It is essential to gather the most information you can before making an assessment. Depending on the problem you're having, your specialist might suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help people suffering from ADHD learn to cope with their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT can be paired with medication to aid in ADHD treatment. If you're waiting for a professional assessment, there are several tools available on the Internet that let you evaluate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online questionnaires are available. These tools are not standardized or scientifically validated and should only be used for general guidance. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to become used to their difficulties that they begin to take them for granted. They may think that they're not good at things or that it's their responsibility for not maintaining their work or social commitments on the right track. The truth is that the symptoms of ADHD are neurological and not a personal failing. If you are treated properly, however, you can regain control of your ADHD and turn it into something positive. linked website can lead to more success in your work and personal relationships as well as an improved quality of life for you and those around you.