ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You'll be asked about your childhood (technically at the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They could use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and some physicians are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll want to look over your past and determine how your symptoms affect your life.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your doctor in case you're concerned about your memory or organizational skills or notice it's difficult to stay on with your home or work tasks. You may be sent for a psychological test to determine if you are ADHD. The tests may include a questionnaire or rating scale to determine symptoms or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also look at your medical history and family background as well as any other issues that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, such as learning disabilities or depression.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is used by health care professionals to diagnose adults suffering from 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 adversely affected the person's ability to function in social, school and work environments.
Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, even when their symptoms are evident and interfere with the majority of aspects of daily living. They might have had the ability to manage their issues as children, however, as they grow older and attempt to take on more obligations and responsibilities, the demands on their ability to concentrate and remain organized rise dramatically.
People with ADHD have trouble controlling their emotions. They are also more likely to be less self-controlled. They are more likely to be impulsive and make decisions based on their emotions. They may also lose track of important things, forget appointments, and misplace important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD are classified as moderate, mild, or severe.
Diagnosis
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children because adult symptoms are more focused on social and work interactions. Because of this, doctors are more dependent on a person's history and their current problems to determine an assessment. The symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with the person's life.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must first perform a thorough exam. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The doctor should also look over the patient's health history and any pertinent records, such as school records. This information will help determine if the person is suffering from other mental health issues or learning disabilities.
A qualified mental health professional or a doctor will meet with the patient. During the interview, the clinician will ask the person questions about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. They will also ask the patient to evaluate their symptoms over a period of six months. The answers of the person will be compared with 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 patient must also demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of their everyday life.
There are many online resources available to determine whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD in adults. Although these tests and rating scales can provide an idea of what you might expect, they should not be used to self-diagnose or establish your treatment plan. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD you should talk to a trained and experienced healthcare professional to conduct an assessment.
Treatment
A primary care doctor can test you for ADHD If you have trouble remembering things, constantly seem to lose your keys, or struggle to keep up with school. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in finding solutions that work for you and your family.
A thorough exam will include a physical examination and an explanation of your symptoms, which may include their history in childhood and any issues they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor might ask you to talk with your partner or close friends, too to get a complete picture of your behavior and the history. They may also look for a medical issue that may be causing your symptoms.
Adults are evaluated for ADHD by using standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They'll also use psychological tests to test your working memory, executive functioning skills (planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD.
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants, like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine are also available. However, they can have adverse effects and may take longer to work.
Your doctor may suggest you try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn how to reframe their negative thinking patterns, manage their emotions and develop coping skills. CBT can be used to improve work performance and relationships. If your health care provider doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD, they might recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also find a specialist in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by searching a list of providers at your local support group.
Medication
ADHD can affect adults and may be treated with counseling, medication or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help find solutions that are beneficial for you. Talk to your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist, or search for doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist can provide advice and tools to manage symptoms.
A thorough evaluation will consist of medical examinations family histories, family histories, reports of school or work issues, alcohol or drug use and your relationships with family and friends. Because people with ADHD often forget things, a mental health professional may request that you keep an eye on the activities you've engaged in along with where you've been, and what you've eaten for several days. They'll also look into whether you suffer from any other medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. For example, thyroid problems or seizures disorders.
There is no test that can be definitively used for ADHD however a thorough review of your case by a health care provider or mental health professional is required to pinpoint the issue and determine the best course of action. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid and it caused problems throughout your adulthood Your doctor is likely to be interested in the way your symptoms affect you on every day.
Medication is usually the first treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly used medications are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and the atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which can help you concentrate and control impulse-driven behaviors. The long-acting and extended release versions of these drugs remain in your body for a longer time, reducing the need to take the medication more frequently and lessening the effect of rebound when it wears off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are severe enough your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists trained in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to recommend you or look online for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan might also have an alphabetical list of specialists.
You should discuss any problems you have with your ADHD symptoms might have caused at work, at home or school. You may be embarrassed by the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your colleagues and teachers, or supervisors. They may be able to make small adjustments to assist you in your class or at work.
Adult ADHD is often treated by medication. stimulants increase attention, reduce the tendency to be impulsive, and improve working memory for adults with ADHD. However, severe ADHD symptoms in adults may cause adverse effects, so your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medications and therapy to best manage your symptoms. Your doctor will look over your medication history in order to make sure 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 helps you alter negative thinking patterns and change your thoughts about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can improve self-awareness and decrease emotional sensitiveness.
Other behavioral therapies are viable for adults who don't respond to medication. These include motivational interviews and counseling for couples and families and dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT integrates CBT with mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to concentrate and control the impulsive behavior.