ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You may be asked about your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12) by an expert in mental health who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They may employ ADHD symptoms checklists or standardized behavior ratings scales.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed by psychologists and psychiatrists. Certain doctors are qualified to make this diagnosis. They'll be looking over your history and how your symptoms are impacting your life.
Symptoms
If you are concerned about your memory and organizational skills, or notice that you are struggling to keep up with your home or work tasks, speak to your doctor. You may be referred for psychological tests to determine if you are suffering from ADHD. The tests may include a questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also examine your family history and medical background, in addition to other issues like learning disabilities and depression that could be a symptom of ADHD symptoms.
The psychiatric manual that is used by health care providers and health care professionals, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), specifies the criteria used to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. For ADHD symptoms adults male 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 negatively affected the person's ability to perform in school, social and workplace settings.
Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, even the symptoms are obvious and interfere with nearly every facet of daily life. As children, they might have been able compensate for their symptoms, but as adults their ability to pay more attention and remain organized increases dramatically.
People suffering from ADHD have trouble controlling their emotions and tend to be less self-controlled. As a result, they tend to make decisions based on their emotions and make impulsive choices. They can also lose track of things and forget appointments. They also misplace important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as mild, moderate or severe.
Diagnosis
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children because adult symptoms are more focused on social and work interactions. Due to this, doctors are more dependent on a person's past and present problems to determine a diagnosis. The symptoms must also be serious enough to disrupt the person's life.
A health care professional will first need to conduct a thorough exam to determine the cause of ADHD. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The doctor should also go over the patient's health history as well as any relevant records, including school records. This information can help determine if a person has other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities.
A trained mental health professional or doctor will meet with the patient. During the interview, a doctor will ask questions about the person's symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor will also ask for an assessment of the symptoms over the course of six months. The responses of the person will be compared with the criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among 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. In addition, the patient must be able to demonstrate significant impairment in at least two different settings in their daily life.
There are numerous online resources available to determine whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD in adults. Although these tests and rating scales can provide a general idea however they shouldn't be used to diagnose yourself or determine your treatment plan. If you think you might have ADHD, you should consult a trained and experienced healthcare professional to conduct an assessment.
Treatment
A primary care provider will test you for ADHD If you have trouble remembering things, always seem to misplace your keys, or are having trouble keeping up with school. Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step to finding solutions that will benefit you and your family.
A thorough examination will include a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms, which may include their history in childhood and any issues they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor might also suggest to talk to your family members or friends to get a more complete understanding of your past and behavior. They will also search for a medical condition that may be causing your symptoms.
Health professionals use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to test adults for the condition. Psychological tests will also be used to assess working memory and executive functions (planning and decisions) as well as spatial and visual capacities, and reasoning skills. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD.
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine, are also available. However, they could have adverse effects and can take longer to effect.
ADHD adult female symptoms may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to overcome negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions, and develop strategies for coping. CBT can be used to improve work performance and interpersonal relationships. If your health care provider isn't experienced enough or doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also look for an expert in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by searching a list of specialists at your local support group.
Medication
ADHD can affect adults and may be treated with counseling, medication or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can assist you to find solutions that work for you. Talk to your primary care provider for a referral to a specialist, or look up doctors listed in your health insurance plan's directory. A coach or therapist may provide advice and tools to help manage symptoms.
A thorough evaluation will include medical examinations, a family history including reports on school or work problems or alcohol or drug abuse, and your relationships with friends and family members. A mental health professional might ask you to record what you did when you were out, where you went, and what you ate for a few days. This is because people with ADHD tend to forget things. They will also check if you suffer from any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example seizures, thyroid issues or thyroid disorders.
There is no test that can be definitively used for ADHD however a thorough review of your case by a health care professional or mental health professional is needed to identify the problem and determine the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it has caused issues for you throughout your life, your doctor will be particularly interested in how your symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first with medication. The most frequently used drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin), the lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the levels of certain brain chemicals which helps you focus and manage your impulsive behavior. They are available in long-acting and extended-release versions that stay in your system longer. This means that you don't have to take them regularly and the rebound effect that occurs after they wear off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. Specialists in this field include psychologists trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD as well as psychiatrists and therapists. Consult your primary care physician for a referral or search online for a mental health specialist in your area. Your health insurance plan may also provide an alphabetical list of specialists.
You should discuss any problems your ADHD symptoms could cause at work, at home or school. You may feel embarrassed by the effects your symptoms have on your coworkers or teachers, as well as your supervisors. They may be able to make small adjustments to assist you in class or at work.
Medications are often used to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants can improve attention, reduce the impulsivity of people, and increase working memory for people with ADHD. However, they can have side effects, so your doctor may suggest a combination of medication and therapy to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor will review your medication history in order to make sure that the stimulants prescribed do not interact with any other medication.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, or brain training are also treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought, and change the way you think about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can increase self-awareness and reduce emotional sensitivity.
Other behavioral therapies are viable for adults who aren't responding to medication. They include motivational interviewing, family and couples counseling, dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability focus and control impulsive behavior.