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ADHD – Symptoms in Adults If you think you may have ADHD it is important to be diagnosed. This will be the first step towards controlling your symptoms and taking control over your life. ADHD self-assessment tools may alert you that you might have symptoms that are common to adults with ADHD. However, a valid diagnosis is only possible with an assessment by a professional. This could be a clinical psychologist, a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist) or therapist. Signs and symptoms ADHD is a condition that affects people of all ages, but the symptoms in adults can appear slightly different. It is also possible for adults with ADHD to to turn their symptoms into tools that help them succeed in work and relationships. Adult ADHD symptoms can be mild, medium or severe. To be diagnosed, established, the symptoms must be present since childhood and cause significant problems in two areas of life. Having a hard time keeping your focus to your work or remembering things are examples of problems that could be caused by ADHD. There are self-tests online or rating scales that can help you determine if you might be suffering from ADHD. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is to see a doctor who specializes on the disorder. Ask your primary doctor for a referral or search for an ADHD specialist in your health insurance directory. They will review your medical background, including your childhood, and how your health issues have affected your daily life at school as well as at work and at home. They will also ask about your drug and alcohol usage, driving history and how you relate to your family and friends. It is essential to be truthful when you are speaking with your examiner. Adults suffering from ADHD might cover up or minimize their symptoms to avoid embarrassment or criticism. This can make the assessment process more difficult. Before a diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, it is essential to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, seizure disorders or thyroid disorders. A physical exam and a detailed neurological history are also required. If your tests show that you suffer from ADHD, your doctor may prescribe medications. They may also recommend psychotherapy or behavioral therapies to aid you in managing your ADHD. They may also suggest accommodations to help you work more efficiently, including making changes to your surroundings and utilizing planning and organizing apps. Diagnosis A professional evaluation is needed to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will conduct an extensive history of your symptoms, including when they first began and how they have affected your life. He or she will also inquire about your family history as ADHD is usually caused by genetics. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, in addition to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely be subject to a series of psychological tests to evaluate your performance such as behavioral rating scales. Your doctor may also ask you to do reading or math tasks while on a computer or phone to assess how you do under various conditions. You may even 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. These include having at minimum six months of symptoms and their significant impact on various settings in your life, such as school or work. Your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms led to significant issues prior to the age of 12. It is important to realize that there are many factors that can cause or mimic ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications, for instance are all possible causes of the symptoms similar to ADHD. If you have any records from previous psychological tests or performance evaluations, bring them with you to your appointment. Your doctor will need to know if you are taking any medication and whether you've ever suffered a head injury. Adults with ADHD will benefit greatly from psychotherapy or “talk therapy”. This treatment helps you develop more effective strategies for coping and to manage your ADHD symptoms so that they do not affect your daily routine. Psychotherapy can be used on its own or as a supplement to medication for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to a specialist in mental health who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call your insurance company and inquire what specialists are covered. Visit an organization that offers support locally. Treatment Make an appointment with your primary health care provider should you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a mental health professional who can conduct a full assessment to diagnose your condition. During your appointment, be honest about the difficulties you're having at work as well as at home. Your doctor will be looking for any major issues that have arisen, such as being fired from an employment or failing classes. Your doctor will ask about your family history as well as any health issues that you've had in the past like anxiety or depression. You may be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the Adult Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Screening Tool (ASRS). assessing adhd in adults takes around five minutes to complete and is comprised of 18 questions asking you to indicate how often you have symptoms of adult ADHD. Your doctor will review your answers and give you a score indicating whether you need to seek a formal diagnosis. Additionally, your doctor will be looking for the issues you have in relationships at work and home. You may feel embarrassed talking about these issues, but it is important for your doctor to be aware about them so they can assist you. In some cases, your doctor will want to speak with your coworkers or teachers to find out more about the issues you're experiencing. This doesn't mean your doctor is judging you, more so, it's to help them understand how ADHD can affect someone's ability to perform at work or in school. Your doctor might also suggest to undergo psychological tests to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mood disorder. You might also be required to undergo a physical exam to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues. Your doctor may ask you to bring along any records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations at work. Your doctor may also be interested in knowing if your ADHD symptoms were so severe that they interfered with your life as a child. Support If you suspect you have ADHD or other disorders, you should talk to an expert who can provide an exhaustive assessment. These professionals are licensed mental health providers, such as physicians and clinical psychologists (psychiatrists, neurologist, or family doctors). Many insurance plans provide a list of qualified professionals in the region. You can also seek out local support organizations for help in finding a suitable provider. In addition to obtaining a thorough medical history, your physician will ask you about your symptoms and the problems they cause in your life. This includes school and work performance as well as relationships and other aspects of your life. Your clinician may wish to meet with your coworkers and teachers, or request old school records. This isn't an attempt to doubt your integrity but to gather more information. Many adults suffering from ADHD suffer from weak or inconsistent memories, especially from childhood. It is crucial to collect as much information as possible before making an assessment. Depending on the problem you're experiencing, your doctor might suggest other diagnostic procedures such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps people with ADHD learn to manage their challenges and tap into their strengths. CBT may be coupled with medication to treat ADHD. In the meantime, while you wait for a professional assessment, there are several tools on the Internet that allow you to evaluate your own symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and other online tests are available. These tools aren't tested or validated scientifically and should only serve as general guidance. Many people who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD are so used to their problems that they are able to ignore them. They might think that they're just not very proficient at certain things or that it's their own fault that they have trouble keeping their social or work commitments on the right track. The symptoms of ADHD aren't the result of a personal failure and are more neurological. However, you can get control of your ADHD with the right treatment and turn it into an asset. This can lead to more satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships, as well as an improved quality of life for you and your family members.