ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
A mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will want to begin by asking about your childhood experiences (technically before the age of 12). They could use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed by psychologists and psychiatrists. Some doctors are qualified to do so. They'll be looking over your past and determine how your symptoms impact your life.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your doctor if you're worried about your memory or organization skills or you're finding it difficult for you to keep on the top of your work or home tasks. You could be referred to an assessment of your psychological health to help determine if you are suffering from ADHD. These tests may consist of an assessment questionnaire and rating scales that assess symptoms, or they may include specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also examine your medical history and family history as well as other issues, such as depression and learning disabilities that could be a symptom of ADHD symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 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 impacted the person's social, school and work performance.
Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD even though their symptoms are pronounced and interfere with nearly every facet of daily life. As children, they may have been able to overcome their symptoms, but as they become adults they are able to pay more attention and stay organized improves dramatically.
People suffering from ADHD tend to have more trouble managing their emotions than people who are not affected, and they tend to be less self-controlled. They are more likely to make impulsive decisions and make decisions based on their emotions. They can also lose their track of things and forget appointments. They also misplace important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as moderate, mild or severe.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing it in children, as symptoms in adulthood are focused on social and work interactions. Doctors rely on the history of a patient's current issues to determine if they have ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough that they interfere with an individual's daily life.
To determine if you have ADHD, medical professionals must first conduct a thorough exam. This includes checking hearing, vision and thyroid function. The doctor must also look over the patient's health history, family history along with school records and other pertinent records. This information can be used to determine if the patient has any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities.
A physician or trained mental health professional will interview the patient. During the interview, the clinician will ask the person questions about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. They will also ask the patient to assess their symptoms over a six-month period. The responses of the person will be compared with the criteria 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 life.
There are many online resources that can be used to gauge whether or not you are suffering from ADHD in adults. These tests and rating scales are useful to get a general idea, however, they shouldn't be relied on to make the diagnosis or determine whether you need treatment. If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, it is best to consult with a trained and experienced health care expert for an assessment.
Treatment
A primary care physician will examine you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, always seem to lose your keys or struggle to keep 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 assessment includes a physical examination as well as a discussion about your symptoms, the history of their occurrence as a child and any issues they may have caused in adulthood. Your doctor may also ask to speak to your close friends or family members to obtain a complete picture of your background and behavior. They'll also search for a medical issue that could be causing your symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizures.
Adults are assessed for ADHD by using standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They also conduct psychological tests that check working memory, executive functioning capabilities (planning and decision-making), visual and spatial skills and 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, like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine are also available. However, they may cause negative side effects and take longer to work.
Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people to learn how to change their negative patterns of thinking, manage their emotions and develop coping skills. CBT can be used to improve performance and relationships. If your health care provider isn't experienced enough or doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also find an expert in the online directory of your health insurance company or by looking up a list of specialists at your local support group.
Medication
The effects of ADHD tend to last until adulthood and treatment could include medication or counseling, as well as lifestyle adjustments. Your doctor can help find solutions that work for you. Speak to your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist, or search for doctors in the health insurance plan's directory. A therapist or coach may also be able offer suggestions and tools to manage symptoms.
A thorough evaluation will include medical tests, a family history and reports of school or work problems as well as alcohol and drug use, and your relationships with family members and friends. A mental health professional might ask you to record the things you did when you were out, where you went, and what you ate over some time. This is because people suffering from ADHD tend to forget things. They'll also determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
There isn't a definitive ADHD test, however a mental health professional or health care provider will need to carefully review your situation in order to determine the cause and the best course of action. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as an infant and it has resulted in problems for you later in your life, your doctor will be particularly interested in how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Medication is usually the first treatment recommended for adults with ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and Atomoxetine. These drugs boost the levels of certain brain chemicals which helps you focus and control impulsive behavior. These drugs are available in long-acting and extended-release versions that stay in your system for a longer period of time. ADHD symptoms in adult women means that you don't have to take them more often and the rebound effect after they wear off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor could recommend you to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. They include psychologists who are trained to treat adults with ADHD as well as psychiatrists and therapists. Ask your primary care physician to recommend you or look online for mental health professionals in your area. Your health insurance plan might also provide a list of specialists.
You should discuss any problems that your ADHD symptoms might cause at work, home or school. You may be embarrassed by the impact of your symptoms on your colleagues, teachers or supervisors. However, they may be able to make minor adjustments to aid you in achieving better results at your job or in class.
The use of medications is often to treat adults with ADHD. They can boost the concentration of children, reduce impulsivity and enhance working memory in people with ADHD. However, they may cause side effects, so your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medications and therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also review your medication history to ensure that any other medications you're taking do not interact with the stimulants you may be prescribed.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), mindfulness meditation, or brain training are other treatments for ADHD. CBT helps you change negative thought patterns and reframe your perceptions about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can increase self-awareness and reduce emotional sensitivities.
For adults who do not respond to medication, other behavioral therapies have shown promising results. These include motivational interviewing as well as family and couples counseling and dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT integrates CBT with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability to concentrate and control an impulsive behaviour.