ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
A mental health professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will want to begin by asking about your experiences in childhood (technically prior to age 12). They may employ ADHD symptoms checklists or standardized behavior ratings scales.
Psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll want to know your history and how you are feeling.
Signs and symptoms
If you're worried about your memory and organization skills, or are noticing that it's difficult for you to keep up with home or work tasks, speak to your doctor. You could be scheduled for a psychological evaluation to determine if you suffer from ADHD. ADHD symptoms in adults females may include an assessment questionnaire or rating scale to determine symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also take into consideration your family and medical background, as well as any other issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
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.
Adults can live with undiagnosed ADHD even the symptoms are obvious and interfere with the majority of aspects of daily life. They might have been able to overcome their issues as children, but when they become adults and have to manage more responsibilities, the demands on their ability to concentrate and remain organized rise dramatically.
People with ADHD typically have a harder time managing their emotions than people without the disorder and tend to have less self-control. In turn, 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 who suffer from ADHD are classified 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. Doctors rely on the history of a patient as well as their current problems in order to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause disruption to the person's daily life.
To determine if you have ADHD, the health professional must first conduct an extensive exam. This includes checking the thyroid, vision and hearing. The doctor should also look over the patient's health history as well as any relevant records, including school records. This information can be used to determine if a patient suffers from any other mental disorders or learning disabilities.
A trained mental health professional or physician will conduct an interview with the patient. During this time, the doctor will ask questions about the person's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They 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. In addition, the patient must be able to demonstrate significant impairment in at minimum two settings in their daily life.
Online resources can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. These tests and scales of rating are helpful to get a general idea, however, they shouldn't be relied on to make an assessment or determine if you require treatment. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult a trained and experienced medical professional for an assessment.
Treatment
A primary care doctor will test you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, always seem to misplace your keys, or struggle to keep up with school. Finding the right solutions for you and your family members begins with the diagnosis.
A thorough evaluation includes a physical exam and a discussion about your symptoms, their history as a child, and any issues they may have caused in their adult lives. Your doctor might also suggest to speak to your partner or close friends to obtain a complete picture of your background and behavior. They will also search for a medical issue that may be causing your symptoms.
Health care providers use the same scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists to assess adults for the condition. They'll also use psychological tests to test your 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 medication for ADHD is stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine are also available. However, they could cause negative side effects and may take longer to work.
Your doctor may suggest you try cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions as well as develop strategies to cope. 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 with ADHD they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also locate specialists through your health insurance company's online directory or by looking through the list of providers within your local support group.
Medication
ADHD can affect adults and can be treated with medication, counseling or lifestyle modifications. Your doctor can help you find solutions that are beneficial for you. Contact your primary care doctor to refer you to an expert. You can also search for doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist can also offer tips and tools for managing symptoms.
A thorough assessment will include medical examinations family histories, family histories, reports of school or work problems, alcohol and/or drug usage, as well as your relationships with family and friends. A mental health professional may require you to keep a record of the activities you took part in 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'll also look into whether you have any other medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example seizures, thyroid issues or thyroid disorders.
There isn't an exact ADHD test, however a mental health professional or health care provider will have to take a close look at your situation to determine the cause and the best way to treat it. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it caused problems in your adult life the doctor will likely be interested in how your symptoms affect you on every day.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first with medication. The most frequently used medications are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and the atomoxetine. These drugs boost the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, helping you to focus and control impulsive behavior. The extended release and long-acting versions of these drugs remain in your body for longer, reducing the need to take medications more often and minimizing the effects of rebound after it wears off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are severe enough your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. They include psychologists who are trained to treat adults with ADHD, as well as psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Ask your primary care physician to refer you or look online for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan could also include a list.
It's important to discuss any issues your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, work or at home. You might be embarrassed about the effects of your symptoms on your colleagues as well as teachers or supervisors. However, these people might be able to make small accommodations that will aid you in achieving better results at your job or in class.
Medications are often used to treat adults with ADHD. stimulants increase attention, reduce impulsivity, and enhance working memory for adults with ADHD. However, they can cause negative side effects, and your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medications and therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will go over your medication history in order to ensure that the stimulants prescribed do not interfere with other medication.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, or brain training are other treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you change negative thoughts and patterns of thought and help you reframe your thoughts about your ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness meditation can sharpen self-awareness reduce emotional sensitivity and improve control of impulses.
For adults who do not respond to medications, other behavioral therapies have demonstrated promising results. These include motivational interviews and counseling for couples and families and dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability to concentrate and control your impulsive behavior.