ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You'll be asked about your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12) by an expert in mental health who is conducting an ADHD assessment. signs and symptoms of add and ADHD in adults can utilize standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists.
Psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are able to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll want to look over your medical history and assess how your symptoms are impacting your life.
Signs and symptoms
If you're concerned about your memory or organization abilities, or you notice that it's difficult for you to keep up with home or work tasks, consult your doctor. You may be sent for a psychological test to determine if you are ADHD. These tests could include the use of a questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also take into consideration your medical and family background and any other conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is utilized by health professionals to diagnose adults suffering from 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 affected the person's school, social, and work functioning.
Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, even when their symptoms are evident and impact almost every aspect of daily life. They might have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children, but as they mature and attempt to take on more responsibilities, the demands on their ability to pay attention and remain organized rise dramatically.
People with ADHD often have more difficulty controlling their emotions than those who are not affected and tend to be less self-controlled. As a result, they are more likely to act on impulse and make decisions based on impulsiveness. They can also lose things, forget appointments and misplace important papers. Adults suffering from ADHD are classified as moderate, mild, or severe.
Diagnosis
Adults are more difficult to identify than children, because adult symptoms are more focused on social and work interactions. Doctors look at the past of a patient as well as their current issues to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms should also be so severe that they interfere with a person's everyday life.
A health professional will first need to complete a thorough examination to determine the cause of ADHD. This includes examining hearing, vision 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 can be used to determine if a person suffers from any other mental disorders or learning disabilities.
A physician or trained mental health professional will interview the person. During the interview, the doctor will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. They will also ask the patient to assess their symptoms over a period of six months. The responses of the person will be compared with the guidelines set 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 person must also show significant impairment in two areas of their daily lives.
Online resources can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. While these tests and rating scales can provide a general idea but they shouldn't be used to self-diagnose or establish your treatment plan. If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is recommended to speak with a qualified and experienced health expert for an evaluation.
Treatment
A primary care physician can examine you for ADHD If you have trouble remembering things, are always prone to misplace your keys, or are having trouble keeping up with school. A diagnosis is the first step to finding solutions that will benefit you and your family.
A thorough evaluation will include a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms, including the history of your symptoms in childhood and any problems they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor may also ask to speak with your close friends or family members to get a full understanding of your past and behavior. They will also look for a medical issue that could be the cause of your symptoms.
Health professionals use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to assess adults for the condition. Psychological tests can also be used to check working memory and executive functions (planning and decisions) as well as 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.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Non-stimulants are also available like atomoxetine clonidine and guanfacine, but they require longer time to work and may cause side effects.
Your doctor may recommend that you try cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions, and also develop coping strategies. CBT can be used to improve work performance and relationships. If your health care provider doesn't have experience in treating adults with ADHD they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also search for specialists in the online directory of your health insurance company or by looking up a list of doctors at your local support group.
Medication
The effects of ADHD tend to last into adulthood, and treatment may include medications, counseling or lifestyle modifications. Your doctor can help you find solutions that are beneficial for you. Consult your primary care provider to refer you to a specialist, or look up doctors listed in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist may provide tips and tools for managing symptoms.
A complete evaluation will include medical examinations and family histories, as well as reports of school or work issues, alcohol or drug use and your relationships with family and friends. Since people with ADHD tend to forget things an expert in mental health might require you to keep an eye on the activities you've engaged in as well as where you've been and what you've eaten over several days. They'll also determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
There isn't an exact ADHD test, but a mental health professional or health care professional will need to carefully review your situation to identify the issue and the best course of action. If you had ADHD as an infant and it has caused problems for you in your life your doctor will be especially interested in how your symptoms impact your daily functioning.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication first. The most commonly used drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and Atomoxetine. These drugs increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which helps you concentrate and control impulse-driven behaviors. The long-acting and extended release versions of these drugs 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 is finished.
Counseling
If your symptoms are serious enough, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists who have been trained in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care provider for a referral, or search online for a psychological health specialist in your area. Your health insurance plan might also provide a list of specialists.
It's important to discuss any issues you or your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, work or at home. You might be embarrassed about the impact of your symptoms on your colleagues and teachers, or supervisors. However, these people might be able to make small adjustments that can help you perform better at your job or in class.
ADHD symptoms in adulthood are often used to treat adult ADHD. They can boost concentration, reduce the impulsivity of children and improve working memory in people with ADHD. They can cause side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medication along with therapy to treat your symptoms. Your doctor will also look over your medical history to ensure that any other medications you take do not interact with the stimulants that you may be prescribed.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation or brain training are all other options for ADHD. CBT can help you change negative thoughts and patterns of thought and help you reframe your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can help you become more aware of yourself and decrease emotional sensitivities.
For adults who don't respond to medication, alternative behavioral therapies have produced promising results. Included are motivational interviewing (MI) and couple and family counseling and dialectical behavioral therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT integrates CBT with mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to control your impulsive behavior.