ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You'll be asked about your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They can employ standardized scales for assessing behavior or ADHD symptom checklists. Psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and some physicians are able to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll be looking over your history and how your symptoms impact your life. Symptoms If you are concerned about your memory and organizational skills, or are noticing that it's difficult for you to keep up with work or home tasks, speak to your doctor. You could be scheduled for a psychological evaluation to determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests could include the use of a questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also look at your medical and family background, as well as any other issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, like depression or learning disabilities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is used by health care professionals to identify adults with ADHD is the source of the criteria. For an adult to meet the diagnosis, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before age 12 and be persistently present for at least 6 months. These symptoms must have affected the person's school, social and work performance. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, even the symptoms are obvious and interfere with almost every aspect of everyday life. As children, they may have been able to compensate for their symptoms, but as they grow older, their ability to pay attention and stay organized is dramatically increased. People with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions. They tend to be more self-controlled. In turn, they tend to react on impulse and make impulsive choices. They also tend to lose things, forget appointments or misplace important papers. Adults who suffer from ADHD are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Diagnosis Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complex than diagnosing children because symptoms in adulthood are centered on social interactions and work. Due to this, doctors rely more on a person's history and their current problems to determine a diagnosis. The symptoms should also be severe enough that they interfere with an individual's daily life. A health professional will first perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of ADHD. This includes checking hearing, vision and thyroid function. The provider must also review the patient's health history, family history, school records and any other relevant documents. This information can be used to determine if the patient has any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities. A qualified mental health professional or a physician will conduct an interview with the patient. During this interview, the professional will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. They will also ask the individual to evaluate their symptoms over a period of six months. The results of the individual will be compared to the criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in adults. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have at least six inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that are not caused by a medical condition or another mental illness. Several of the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before age 12. The person must also show significant impairment in two aspects of their everyday life. Online resources can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms in adults. These tests and scales of rating are useful for a general overview however, they shouldn't be relied on to make the diagnosis or determine whether you require treatment. If you think you might have ADHD, you should consult an experienced and skilled healthcare professional for an assessment. Treatment A primary care provider will examine you for ADHD If you have trouble remembering things, always seem to lose your keys, or struggle to keep up with school. Finding the best solution for you and your family members begins with a diagnosis. A thorough exam will include a physical examination and an examination of your symptoms, including their history in childhood and any problems they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor may also request to speak with your close friends or family members to get a full picture of your background and behavior. They'll also check for a medical condition which could be the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizures. Adults are screened for ADHD using standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Psychological tests are also used to check working memory as well as executive functions (planning and making decisions) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. Dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. Non-stimulants like Clonidine and atomoxetine, are also available. However, they can cause adverse effects and take longer to work. Your doctor may recommend that you try cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning to reframe negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions, and develop strategies for coping. CBT can be used to improve performance and relationships. If your healthcare provider doesn't have experience treating adults with ADHD, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also search for an expert in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by searching for a list of doctors at your local support group. Medication The effects of ADHD tend to last into adulthood, and treatment could include medication and counseling as well as lifestyle modifications. Your doctor can assist in determining solutions that work best for you. Speak to your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist or look up doctors listed on the health insurance plan's directory. A coach or therapist can provide advice and tools to manage symptoms. A complete assessment includes medical tests, a family history and reports of problems at work or school as well as alcohol and drug use, and your relationships with family and friends. A mental health professional may ask you to record the activities you took part in, where you went, and what you ate for several days. This is because people with ADHD tend to forget things. They will also check to determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems. There is symptoms of add and ADHD in adults , however a mental health professional or health care provider will have to take a close look at your situation in order to identify the issue and the best way to treat it. If you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child and it has caused problems throughout your adulthood the doctor will likely be interested in the way your symptoms affect you on a every day. Adults with ADHD are usually treated first by medication. The most common medications used are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and the atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain which helps you focus and control impulsive behavior. They are available in long-acting and extended-release versions that stay in your system for longer. This decreases the need to take them more often and the rebound effect that occurs after they are gone. Counseling If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists with training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider for a referral or look online for a mental health specialist in your region. Your health insurance plan might include a list. It's important to discuss any issues you or your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, work or at home. You might be embarrassed about the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your coworkers as well as teachers or supervisors. They might be able to make small adjustments to improve your performance in your class or at work. Medications are often used to treat adults with ADHD. Stimulants can improve attention, decrease the tendency to be impulsive and increase working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. They can cause side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medication together with therapy to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also go over your medication history to ensure that any other medications you're taking do not interact with the stimulants you may be prescribed. Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or brain training or mindfulness meditation. CBT helps you change negative thought patterns and reframe your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness meditation can sharpen self-awareness, reduce emotional sensitivity and improve impulse control. For adults who are unable to respond to medication, other behavioral therapies have produced promising results. Included are motivational interviewing (MI) as well as counseling for couples and families as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT combines CBT with mindfulness meditation to increase your ability to concentrate and control an impulsive behaviour.
