ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You'll be asked about your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They might employ ADHD symptoms checklists or standard behavior ratings scales.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll want to look over your history and how your symptoms impact your life.
Signs and symptoms
Talk to your doctor if you're worried about your memory or organization skills or you're finding it difficult to stay on top of work or home tasks. You could be scheduled for a psychological assessment to determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests could include an assessment questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavior tests. The test will also look at your medical history and family background as well as any other issues that might be a cause of ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, such as learning disabilities or depression.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by health care professionals to diagnose 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 adversely affected the person's ability to perform in school, social and work environments.
Adults can live with undiagnosed ADHD even though their symptoms are pronounced and impact almost every aspect of everyday life. As children, they may have been able to compensate for their symptoms, but as they grow older, their ability to pay more attention and stay organized improves dramatically.
People with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions. They are also more likely to be more self-controlled. As a result, they are more likely to react on impulse and make impulsive decisions. They can also lose things, forget appointments or misplace important papers. Adults suffering 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. Because of this, physicians are more dependent on a person's history and their current problems to determine an assessment. The symptoms must also be serious enough to disrupt the person's daily life.
A health care professional must first conduct a thorough exam in order to diagnose ADHD. This includes checking the thyroid as well as hearing, vision and thyroid. The provider should also review the patient's medical history and any pertinent records, such as school records. This information will help determine if a person is suffering from other mental health issues or learning disabilities.
A trained physician or mental health professional will then interview the person. During this time, the doctor will ask questions about the individual'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 with 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 least two different settings in their daily life.
There are a number of online sources that can be used to gauge whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD in adults. While these tests and rating scales can give you an idea of what you might expect, they should not be used to diagnose yourself or determine your treatment plan. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is best to speak with a qualified and experienced health care professional for a thorough assessment.
Treatment
A primary care physician can test you for ADHD If you have trouble remembering things, constantly seem to misplace your keys, or struggle to keep up with school. Finding the right solutions for you and your family members begins with a diagnosis.
A thorough evaluation includes a physical examination as well as discussion of your symptoms, the history of their occurrence as a child, and any problems they have caused in their adult lives. Your doctor may suggest that you talk with your partner or close friends, as well to get a complete picture of your behavior and history. They'll also search for a medical issue that could be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizures.
Adults are screened for ADHD by using standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Psychological tests will also be used to assess working memory as well as executive functions (planning and decisions) as well as spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD.
Dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. Non-stimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine, are also available. However, they can cause negative side effects and can take longer to effect.
You doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning to overcome negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions as well as develop strategies to cope. CBT can be used to improve workplace performance and relationships. If your doctor does not have experience in treating adults with ADHD they might recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also search for an expert in the online directory of your health insurance company or by searching a list of doctors in 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 modifications. Your doctor can assist you in identifying solutions that are most suitable for you. Ask your primary care provider to recommend you to an expert. You can also search for doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach can provide tips and tools to help manage symptoms.
A thorough assessment will include medical examinations, family histories, reports of school or work problems, alcohol and/or drug usage as well as your relationships with family members and friends. Because people who suffer from ADHD tend to forget things that are important to them, a mental health professional might require you to keep the record of the activities you've engaged in as well as where you've been and what you've eaten for several days. They'll also determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that could 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 professional must carefully examine your situation to determine the cause and the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it has caused issues for you throughout your life, your doctor will be especially interested in how your symptoms impact your daily activities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication first. The most common medications used are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which help you control your impulsive behaviors. These drugs are available in extended-release and longer-acting versions that stay in your system for longer. This decreases the need to take them more often and also the rebound effect after they have worn off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are serious enough your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will 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 to refer you or search online for mental health professionals in your region. Your health insurance plan may provide an alphabetical list of specialists.
You should talk to your doctor about any issues you have with your ADHD symptoms might cause at work, at home or at school. You might be uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms can have on your colleagues, teachers, or supervisors. However, extreme ADHD symptoms adults might be able to provide small accommodations that will help you perform better at your job or in class.
It is common to use medications to treat adults with ADHD. They can boost the concentration of children, reduce the impulsivity of children and improve working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. However, they can have negative side effects, and your doctor might recommend a combination of medication and therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also go over your medication 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 other treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you change negative thinking patterns and change your thoughts about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can increase self-awareness as well as reduce emotional sensitivity. It can also improve control of impulses.
Other behavioral therapies are viable for adults who don't respond to medication. These include motivational interviews and counseling for couples and families, dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation to improve your ability to concentrate and control the impulsive behavior.