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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults It's important to receive a proper diagnosis if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This will be the first step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you to the possibility of having symptoms typical of adult ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis is only possible through a professional evaluation. This can be a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Symptoms ADHD can affect anyone of any age, but the symptoms may be different for adults. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to be able to turn their symptoms into tools that allow them to achieve success in their work and relationships. adhd assessment adults can be mild, medium or severe. To qualify for an assessment, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and continue to cause significant problems in at least two different areas of your life. ADHD can cause problems like having trouble focussing on a task, or forgetting things. If you suspect you may have symptoms of ADHD There are self-tests and ratings scales online that can help determine whether or not you might have the disorder. However the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a specialist in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Consult your primary care physician for a referral, or search for an ADHD specialist on the online directory of your health insurance. If you visit a specialist, they'll review your medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, highlighting how your symptoms have impacted your school, work and home life. They'll also ask you about any alcohol or drug usage, driving history and what your relationships with your family and friends have been. It is crucial to be truthful when you are speaking with your examiner. Many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to conceal or deny their symptoms to others because they're afraid of criticism or are embarrassed. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Some medical conditions, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD and must be checked out before an ADHD diagnosis is established. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history will also be provided. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD Your doctor may prescribe medication. They might also suggest therapy or behavioral therapies to assist you in managing your ADHD. They may also recommend 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 an evaluation by a professional is required. Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes when they started and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history as it is common for ADHD to run in families. Your doctor may also conduct physical exams to rule out medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms. These could include thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You will likely be asked to take several psychological tests that include behavioral ratings scales for assessing your functioning. You may be asked to complete reading or math tasks on a computer, phone or tablet to assess your performance in various situations. You might even have an IQ test to assess your cognitive abilities. The American Psychiatric Association established criteria to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum six consecutive months and be having an impact on multiple areas of your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will want to know whether your symptoms led to significant problems before the age of 12. It's important to understand that there are many things that can trigger or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for instance can all trigger some of the symptoms similar to ADHD. Bring any evidence of previous psychological tests or performance evaluations to your appointment. Your doctor must know if you're taking any medications or whether you've ever suffered an injury to your head. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” for those suffering from 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 so that they don't interfere with your everyday life. Psychotherapy can be utilized on its own or as a supplement to medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a mental health professional who treats adults with ADHD. You could also contact your insurance company and inquire which specialists are covered. Or, visit an organization that offers support locally. Treatment If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will refer you to a mental healthcare specialist who will conduct an exhaustive evaluation and identify the condition. During your visit, you should be honest about the problems you're having at work and at home. Your doctor will want to know about any major problems that have resulted in being dismissed from a job or failing classes. Your doctor will also inquire about family history and previous health issues, such as anxiety or depression. You are likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire such as the Adult Hyperactivity Disorder Self Screening Tool (ASRS). The questionnaire takes around five minutes to complete and comprises 18 questions that ask you to rate the frequency with which you are experiencing symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and give you an overall score that will indicate whether you should seek a formal diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask about your concerns in your relationships at home and at work. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues but it's important that your doctor is aware about them to help you. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with your coworkers or teachers to better understand the challenges you're confronting. This does not mean that your doctor is judging or blaming you. It's just to help them better comprehend how ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor may also suggest that you get psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mood disorder. You can also have an examination for physicals to ensure that there aren't any medical issues that are causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also request that you bring any records with you, like performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from school. Your doctor will also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were severe enough to interfere with your daily life as when you were a child. Support If you suspect that you may have ADHD and you suspect that you have it, you should speak with an expert who can conduct an extensive evaluation. These professionals include licensed mental health providers like clinical psychologists and physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). A lot of insurance plans have lists of qualified professionals in your area, and you can also contact local support groups for help in locating a suitable provider. Your clinician will also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your daily life. This includes your work and school performance as well as relationships and other aspects in your daily life. Your doctor may request to speak with your co-workers or teachers, or request old school records. This is not a way to determine your honesty but to gather more information. Many adults with ADHD have spotty or poor memories, particularly from their childhood. It's essential that your doctor obtain as much pertinent information as possible to determine the cause. Depending on the issue you're experiencing, your doctor may suggest other diagnostic procedures like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids people suffering from ADHD learn to manage their challenges and develop their strengths. CBT can be combined with medication to treat ADHD. While you wait for a professional assessment, you can evaluate your symptoms using various tools available on the Internet. They include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and a range of online questionnaires. These tools are not tested or validated scientifically and should only be used as general guidelines. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so accustomed to their challenges that they take them for granted. They may think that they're not good enough or that it is their fault for not being able to keep up with their work or social commitments. The symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by an individual's fault, but are rather neurological. If you are treated properly, you can gain control of your ADHD and turn it into something constructive. This 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.