adult ADHD symptoms in Adults Test
A mental health professional conducting an ADHD assessment will start by asking you about your childhood experiences (technically before age 12). They may use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists.
Adult ADHD can be diagnosed by psychiatrists and psychologists. Some physicians are also competent to diagnose it. They will want to know your history and the way you feel.
Symptoms
If you are concerned about your memory and organization abilities, or you notice that you are struggling to keep up with work or home tasks, consult your doctor. You may be recommended for an assessment of your psychological health to determine if are suffering from ADHD. The tests could include ratings scales and a questionnaire that measure symptoms, or they could include specialized cognitive behavior testing. The test will also take into consideration your medical history and family history, as well as any other issues that might be a cause of ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
The psychiatric manual used by health professionals, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), specifies the criteria used to diagnose adults with ADHD. 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 negatively affected the person's ability to function in social, school and work environments.
Adults can live with undiagnosed ADHD, even though their symptoms are pronounced and interfere with nearly every facet of daily living. They might have had the ability to manage their ADHD symptoms as children however, as they grow older and have to manage more responsibilities the demands on their ability to pay attention and stay organized are heightened.
People with ADHD typically have a harder time managing their emotions than those who are not affected and, as a result, they tend to be less self-controlled. In turn, they are more likely to make decisions based on their emotions and make decisions based on impulsiveness. They may also lose things, forget appointments and lose important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
Diagnosis
Adults are more difficult to identify than children, because adult symptoms are more focused on social and work interactions. Due to this, doctors depend more on an individual's background and current issues to make a diagnosis. The symptoms must also be serious enough to cause disruption to the individual's life.
A health care professional will first perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of ADHD. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The provider should also review the patient's health history as well as any pertinent records, such as school records. This information will aid in determining if the patient suffers from any other mental illness or learning disabilities.
A doctor or trained mental health professional will then interview the patient. During the interview, a clinician will ask the person questions about their symptoms and how these impact their lives. They will also ask the person to evaluate their symptoms over a period of six months. The answers of the person will be compared to the criteria established 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. The person must also show significant impairment in two aspects of their daily lives.
There are a number of online resources available to determine whether or not you are suffering from ADHD in adults. While these tests and rating scales can give you an idea of what you might expect however they should not be used to diagnose yourself or determine the treatment plan you will follow. If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD or other related disorders, it is recommended to speak with a qualified and experienced health care professional for a thorough evaluation.
Treatment
A primary care doctor can test you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, constantly seem to lose your keys, or have trouble keeping up with school. Finding the best solution for you and your family members starts with the diagnosis.
A thorough assessment includes a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms, the history of their occurrence as a child, and any problems they have caused in adulthood. Your doctor might also suggest to talk to your partner or close friends to get a full picture of your history and behavior. They will also look for a medical issue that may be causing your symptoms.
Health care providers use the same scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. Psychological tests are also used to test working memory and executive functions (planning and 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, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine are also available. However, they may have negative side effects and can take longer to effect.
Your doctor might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions as well as develop strategies to cope. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and performance. If your health care provider doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD, they might recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also locate an expert by contacting your health insurance provider's online directory or by looking up the list of specialists in your local support group.
Medication
ADHD can affect adults and may be treated with medication, counseling, or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you discover solutions that will work for you. Consult your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist, or look up doctors listed on the health insurance plan's directory. A therapist or coach may also be able to give suggestions and tools to help manage symptoms.
A complete evaluation will include medical examinations and family histories, as well as reports of school or work problems, drug and/or alcohol usage, as well as your relationships with family and friends. A mental health professional may ask you to record what you did, where you went, and what you ate over several days. This is because people with ADHD tend to forget things. They will also check to see if you have any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
There is no definitive ADHD test, but a mental health professional or health professional will need to carefully review your situation in order to determine the cause and the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid and it caused issues in your adult life, your doctor will likely be interested in how your symptoms affect you on a daily basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first by medication. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and Atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, helping you to focus and control impulsive behavior. The long-acting and extended release versions of these medications remain in your body for longer which means you don't have to take the medication more frequently and reducing the effects of rebound after it wears off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor could refer you to a specialist to determine the cause and treatment. They include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists trained in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist or look on the internet for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan could also include a list.
It's crucial to discuss any issues that you or your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, at work or home. You might be uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms can have on coworkers and teachers or supervisors. But these individuals might be able to make minor adjustments that can help you perform better at your job or in class.
Adult ADHD is often treated with medication. Stimulants can improve attention, decrease the impulsivity of children and improve working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects. Your doctor will likely prescribe a combination of medication with therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will go over your medical history to ensure that the stimulants prescribed do not interact with any other medication.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) mindfulness meditation, or brain training are also treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you change negative thoughts and patterns of thought and help you reframe your perceptions about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation on mindfulness can help you become more aware of yourself, reduce emotional sensitivity and improve control of impulses.
Other behavioral therapies are promising for adults who don't respond to medications. Included are motivational interviewing (MI), family and couple counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.