ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You will be asked about your childhood (technically at the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They can use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists.
Psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll be looking over your medical history and assess how your symptoms impact your life.
Signs and symptoms
If you are concerned about your memory and organization abilities, or you notice that it's difficult for you to keep up with your home or work tasks, talk to your doctor. You could be referred to an assessment of your psychological health to help determine if you have ADHD. The tests may include the use of a questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also consider your family history and medical history, as well as other issues, such as learning disabilities and depression that may mimic ADHD symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is utilized by health 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 perform in school, social and work environments.
Some adults go through life with undiagnosed ADHD, even the symptoms are obvious and affect nearly every facet of daily life. They may have been able to compensate for their ADHD symptoms as children but as they mature and try to juggle more tasks the demands on their ability to concentrate and remain organized rise dramatically.
People with ADHD often have more difficulty controlling their emotions than those without the disorder and, as a result, they tend to have less self-control. As a result, they tend to react on impulse and make impulsive choices. severe ADHD symptoms in adults tend to lose their track of important things forget appointments, or forget important documents. Adults with ADHD are classified 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. Because of this, physicians rely more on a person's past and present problems to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough that they interfere with a person's everyday life.
To determine if you have ADHD, medical professionals must first perform a thorough examination. This includes checking hearing, vision and thyroid function. The doctor should also look at the patient's health history, family history as well as school records and any other pertinent records. This information can aid in determining if the patient is suffering from other mental health issues or learning disabilities.
A trained mental health professional or a doctor will meet with the patient. During this time, the physician will ask questions regarding the person's symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor will also ask for a rating of the symptoms over the course of six months. The responses of the person will be compared to 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 be able to demonstrate significant impairment in at least two different settings in their daily lives.
Online resources can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. These tests and rating scales are useful for a general overview, but they should not be relied upon to make an assessment or determine if you require treatment. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is best to consult with a trained and experienced health care expert for an assessment.
Treatment
If you struggle to remember things, seem to always misplace your keys or have difficulty keeping up in school, a primary care provider can evaluate you for ADHD. Finding the right solutions for you and your loved ones begins with a diagnosis.
A thorough assessment includes a physical examination and an examination of your symptoms, the history of their occurrence as a child, and any issues they may have caused in adulthood. Your doctor might ask you to talk to your partner or other close friends, as well to get a complete picture of your personality and background. They will also look for a medical condition 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 assess your working memory, executive functioning skills (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.
Dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine, are also available. However, they could have adverse effects and can take longer to effect.
You doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It assists people to overcome negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions and develop strategies to cope. CBT can be used to improve work performance and interpersonal relationships. If your doctor does not have expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD they might recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also locate an expert through your health insurance company's online directory or by searching the list of providers within your local support group.
Medication
The effects of ADHD tend to last until adulthood and treatment can include medications and counseling as well as lifestyle modifications. Your doctor can help in determining solutions that are most suitable for you. Request your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist. You can also search for doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist may also be able offer you tips and tools to manage symptoms.
A complete evaluation includes medical tests, a family history including reports on issues at work or school as well as alcohol and drug use and your relationship with friends and family members. Because people with ADHD tend to forget things an expert in mental health may ask you to keep an eye on what you've been doing as well as where you've been and what you've eaten over several days. They will also check if you have any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems or seizures disorders.
There isn't a definitive test for ADHD however a thorough review of your situation by a health care professional or mental health professional is needed to identify the problem and determine the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child and it's caused issues for you throughout your life your doctor will be especially interested in how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
The first medication is typically the primary treatment recommended for adults with ADHD. The most commonly used medications are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the levels of certain chemicals in your brain which helps you focus and manage your impulsive behavior. The extended release and long-acting versions of these drugs remain in your body for a longer time which means you don't have to take medication more often and minimizing the effects of rebound after it wears off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are serious enough, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists with training in treating adults with ADHD. Consult your primary care physician for a referral, or search online for a mental health specialist in your area. Your health insurance plan may also include a list.
You should talk to your doctor about any issues that your ADHD symptoms could cause at work, home or at school. You may feel uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms can have on colleagues and teachers or supervisors. But these individuals might be able to provide small adjustments that can aid you in achieving better results at your job or in class.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsivity and enhance working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. However, they can have side effects, so your doctor may suggest a combination of medication and therapy to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor will go over your medication history in order to make sure that the stimulants prescribed do not interact with any other medications.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) mindfulness meditation or brain training are other treatments for ADHD. CBT helps you to change negative thought patterns, and reframe how you feel about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can help you become more aware of yourself and reduce emotional sensitivity.
Other behavioral therapies are promising for adults who don't respond to medication. Included are motivational interviewing (MI) and family and couple counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive treatment (MBCT). MBCT combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation in order to improve your ability to concentrate and control impulsive behaviors.