ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
A mental health professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will start by asking you about your experiences in childhood (technically before age 12). They can use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists.
Adult ADHD can be diagnosed by psychiatrists and psychologists. Some physicians are also qualified to make this diagnosis. They will need to know your past and how you're feeling.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your physician If you're concerned about your memory or organizational abilities or you notice it's becoming difficult to stay on top of work or home tasks. You may be referred for psychological tests to help determine if you are suffering from ADHD. The tests may include a questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also take into consideration your medical and family background as well as any other issues that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, such as depression or learning disabilities.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is used by health care 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 perform in school, social and work environments.
Undiagnosed ADHD can affect adults in many ways even though their symptoms are extremely severe and affect almost every aspect of daily life. As children, they might have been able to overcome their symptoms, but as they grow older, their ability to pay more attention and remain organized is dramatically increased.
People suffering from ADHD often have more difficulty controlling their emotions than those who do not suffer from the disorder, and they tend to have less self-control. They tend to be impulsive and make impulsive choices. They also tend to lose track of important things forget appointments, or forget important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as mild, moderate, 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 rely more on a person's history and their current problems to determine an assessment. The symptoms must also be so severe that they affect a person's daily life.
To diagnose ADHD, the health professional must first conduct an extensive exam. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The doctor should also go over the patient's health history and any relevant records, including school records. This information can aid in determining if the patient has other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities.
A qualified mental health professional or physician will interview the person. During this time, the physician will ask questions regarding the individual's symptoms and how they affect their lives. adult ADHD symptoms will also ask the patient to evaluate their symptoms over a period of six months. The results will be compared to the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in adults, as set by the American Psychiatric Association.
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. Lastly, the person must be able to demonstrate significant impairment in at least two settings in their daily lives.
There are many online resources that can be used to gauge whether or not you are suffering from ADHD in adults. These tests and scales of rating can be useful for a general overview but they should not be relied on to make an assessment or determine if you need treatment. 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 doctor will examine you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, are always prone to misplace your keys, or have trouble keeping up with school. Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step towards finding solutions that are beneficial for you and your family.
A thorough evaluation will include a physical examination and an explanation of your symptoms, including the history of your symptoms in childhood and any issues they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor may also request to speak with your family members or friends to get a full picture of your background and behavior. They may also look for a medical condition that may be causing your symptoms.
Health care professionals employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. Psychological tests can also be used to test working memory, executive functions (planning and making decisions), visual and spatial capacities, and reasoning skills. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD.
Dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. There are also non-stimulants available like atomoxetine Guanfacine and clonidine, however they require longer time to work and may have adverse effects.
Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn how to change their negative patterns of thinking and manage their emotions. It also helps them build coping skills. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and performance. If your doctor has no expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also find a specialist in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by looking up a list of specialists in your local support group.
Medication
ADHD can affect adults and can be treated with counseling, medication, or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help find solutions that are beneficial for you. Consult your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist, or look up doctors listed on the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist may also be able to offer suggestions and tools to manage symptoms.
A thorough assessment will include medical examinations family histories, family histories, reports of work or school problems, drug and/or alcohol use, as well as your relationships with family and friends. Because people who suffer from ADHD often forget things, a mental health professional might require you to keep track of what you've been doing, where you've been and what you've eaten over several days. They will also check to determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
There is no definitive ADHD test, but a mental health professional or health care professional must carefully examine your situation in order to determine the problem and the best course of action. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it has caused issues for you throughout your life, your doctor will be particularly interested in how your symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first with medication. The most common medications used are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and the atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain which helps you focus and control your impulsive behavior. These medications are available in long-acting and extended-release versions that remain in your system longer. This decreases the need to take them more frequently and the rebound effect that occurs after they have worn off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are serious enough, your doctor might recommend you to a specialist to determine the cause and treatment. These specialists include psychologists psychiatrists, and therapists who have been trained in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a specialist or look on the internet for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan might also include a list.
You should discuss any problems that your ADHD symptoms could cause at work, home or school. You might feel embarrassed about the effects of your symptoms on your colleagues, teachers or supervisors. However, they may be able to make small adjustments that can assist you in performing better at work or in class.
It is common to use medications to treat adults with ADHD. Stimulants improve attention, decrease the impulsivity of people, and increase working memory for adults with ADHD. They can trigger side effects. Your doctor will likely prescribe a combination of medications together with therapy to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also look over your medical history to ensure that any other medications you are taking don't interact with the stimulants you might be prescribed.
Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation or brain training. CBT can help you change negative thought patterns, and help you reframe your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can improve self-awareness and reduce emotional sensitiveness.
Other behavioral therapies are promising for adults who aren't responding to medication. These include motivational interviewing, family and couples counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation in order to improve your ability to concentrate and control impulsive behaviors.