ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You will 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 might use ADHD symptoms checklists or standard behavior ratings scales.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed by psychiatrists and psychologists. Certain doctors are qualified to make this diagnosis. They'll want to review your medical history and assess how your symptoms impact your life.
Symptoms
If you are concerned about your memory and organization skills, or are noticing that it's difficult for you to keep up with your home or work tasks, consult your doctor. You may be referred for a psychological test to help determine if you have ADHD. These tests may consist of a questionnaire and rating scales that measure symptoms, or they could include specialized cognitive behavioral testing. The test will also look at your family history and medical history as well as other issues such as learning disabilities and depression that could be a symptom of ADHD symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is used by health professionals to identify adults with ADHD defines 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 negatively affected the person's ability to function in social, school and workplace settings.
Some adults go through life with undiagnosed ADHD even when their symptoms are evident and impact nearly every facet of everyday life. As children, they might have been able compensate for their symptoms, but as they grow older, their ability to pay more attention and remain organized increases dramatically.
People suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions. They are also more likely to be more self-controlled. They tend to make impulsive decisions and make impulsive choices. They also tend to lose things, forget appointments and lose important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as moderate, mild or severe.
Diagnosis
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children, because adult symptoms are more focused on work and social interactions. Doctors rely on the history of a patient and their current problems in order to determine if they have ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough that they interfere with an individual's daily life.
In order to diagnose ADHD, medical professionals must first conduct a thorough exam. This includes checking the thyroid, vision and hearing. The provider must also review a patient's family health history along with school records and other pertinent documents. This information can help determine if a person has other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities.
A doctor or trained mental health professional will then interview the individual. During this time, the physician will ask questions regarding the individual's symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor will also require an assessment of the symptoms over the course of six months. The responses of the person will be compared with 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. The person must also show significant impairment in two aspects of their daily lives.
Online resources can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. While these tests and rating scales can give you an idea of the situation, they shouldn't be used to self-diagnose or establish your treatment plan. If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD you should to talk to a trained and experienced health care professional for a thorough evaluation.
Treatment
If you struggle to remember things, seem to always lose your keys, or have difficulties keeping up with school, a primary care provider is able to test you for ADHD. A diagnosis is the first step to finding solutions that work for you and your family.
A thorough examination will include a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms, including their history in childhood and any problems they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor might also suggest to speak with your family members or friends to obtain a complete understanding of your past and behavior. They will also look for a medical condition which could be the cause of your symptoms.
Health professionals use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to test adults for the condition. They'll also use psychological tests that check working memory, executive functioning abilities (planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. There are also non-stimulants available like atomoxetine the guanfacine and clonidine. However, they take longer to work and can have side effects.
You doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning how to reframe their negative patterns of thinking as well as manage their emotions and build coping skills. CBT can also be utilized to improve relationships and performance. If your physician has no experience treating adults with ADHD they might recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also find specialists in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by looking up a list of doctors at your local support group.
Medication
The effects of ADHD tend to persist into adulthood, and treatment could include medication, counseling or lifestyle adjustments. Your doctor can help discover solutions that will work for you. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to an expert. symptoms ADHD in adults can also look up doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist may provide advice and tools for managing symptoms.
A complete evaluation includes medical tests, a family history including reports on issues at work or school or alcohol or drug abuse and your relationship with family members and friends. A mental health professional might require you to keep a record of what you did when you were out, where you went, and what you ate for some time. 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, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
There is no definitive ADHD test, however an expert in mental health or health care professional must carefully examine your situation to determine the cause and the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it has resulted in problems for you later in your life your doctor will be especially interested in the way your symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication first. The most common medications used are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as the atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain which helps you focus and manage your impulsive behavior. The long-acting and extended release versions of these drugs stay in your body for a longer time which means you don't have to take the medication more frequently and reducing the rebound effect when it is gone.
Counseling
If your symptoms are serious enough your doctor will refer you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists trained in treating adults with ADHD. Contact your primary care doctor to recommend you or search on the internet for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan could include a list.
You should discuss any problems your ADHD symptoms may cause at work, home or school. You may be embarrassed by the effects your symptoms can have on coworkers, teachers, or supervisors. They might be able to make small adjustments to help you perform better in your class or at work.
Medications are often used to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants can improve attention, decrease impulsivity and enhance working memory in people with ADHD. However, they can cause side effects, so your doctor might suggest a combination of medications and therapy to best manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also look over your medication history to ensure that any other medications you take do not interact with the stimulants you may be prescribed.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) mindfulness meditation, or brain training are all other options for ADHD. CBT can help you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought, and help you reframe your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation on mindfulness can help you become more aware of yourself as well as reduce emotional sensitivity. It can also improve impulse control.
For adults who are unable to respond to medication, other behavioral therapies have produced promising results. These include motivational interviewing (MI), couple and family counseling, dialectical behavioral therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability focus and control impulsive behaviors.