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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You may be asked about your childhood (technically, before the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They could utilize standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists. Psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and some doctors are able to diagnose ADHD in adults. They will be interested in knowing your history and the way you feel. Symptoms If you're worried about your memory and organization skills, or are noticing that it's hard for you to keep up with your home or work tasks, talk to your doctor. You could be referred for a psychological evaluation to determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests could include a questionnaire and rating scales to evaluate symptoms or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also examine your family history and medical background, in addition to other issues like learning disabilities and depression which may be similar to ADHD symptoms. The psychiatric manual that is used by health professionals, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), specifies the criteria used to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. 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 school, social and work performance. Adults can live with undiagnosed ADHD, even though their symptoms are pronounced and affect almost every aspect of daily life. They may have had the ability to manage their ADHD symptoms as children but as they mature and try to juggle more obligations the demands on their ability to focus and remain organized rise dramatically. People with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions. They are also more likely to be more self-controlled. They are more likely to be impulsive and make impulsive choices. They can also lose things, forget appointments or forget important documents. Adults with ADHD are classified as moderate, mild or severe. Diagnosis The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children since the symptoms of adulthood are focused on social and work interactions. Doctors are able to use the history of a patient as well as their current problems in order to determine if they have ADHD. Symptoms must also be severe enough to disrupt the person's daily life. A medical professional must first perform a thorough examination in order to diagnose ADHD. This includes checking the thyroid as well as hearing, vision and thyroid. The doctor must also look over the patient's health history, family history, school records and any other relevant records. This information will help determine if the person has other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities. A trained physician or mental health professional will interview the individual. During the interview, a clinician will ask questions about the individual's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They will also ask the person to evaluate their symptoms over a 6-month period. The person's responses will be compared to the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in adults, as established 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. The patient must also demonstrate 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 can be useful for a general overview however, they shouldn't be relied upon to make the diagnosis or determine whether you require treatment. If you suspect you might have ADHD, you should consult a trained and experienced healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. Treatment A primary care doctor can test you for ADHD If you have trouble remembering things, always seem to lose your keys, or have trouble keeping up with school. Finding the best solutions for you and your loved ones starts with the diagnosis. A thorough evaluation includes a physical examination and 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, too to get a more complete picture of your behavior and history. They'll also search for a medical condition that might explain your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders. Health professionals use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. Psychological tests are also used to check working memory, executive functions (planning and making decisions), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. 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 the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. Non-stimulants are also available, such as atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine, but they are more difficult to use and may have adverse effects. Your doctor might recommend you to try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people to learn how to change their negative patterns of thinking as well as manage their emotions and develop coping strategies. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and performance. 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 search for specialists in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by searching for a list of specialists at your local support group. Medication The effects of ADHD tend to last into adulthood, and treatment may include medications and 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 refer you to a specialist. You can also search for doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach may also be able to offer you tips and tools to manage symptoms. A thorough evaluation will consist of medical examinations family histories, family histories, reports on school or work issues, alcohol or drug usage, as well as your relationships with family members and friends. A mental health professional could require you to keep a record of the things you did when you were out, where you went, and what you ate over some time. This is because people with ADHD tend to forget things. They'll also look into whether you have any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example seizures, thyroid problems or thyroid disorders. There isn't a definitive test for ADHD, but a careful review of your situation by a medical professional or mental health professional is needed to determine the cause and determine the best course of action. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid and it has caused problems throughout your adulthood, your doctor is likely to be interested in the way your symptoms affect you on a daily basis. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medication first. The most common medications used are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as the atomoxetine. These drugs increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which help you concentrate and control impulsive behaviors. The extended release and long-acting versions of these drugs stay in your body longer which means you don't have to take medication more often and lessening the rebound effect when it is gone. Counseling If your symptoms are serious enough, your doctor may recommend you to a specialist to determine the cause and treatment. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists with training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your primary care physician for a referral or look online for a mental health specialist in your region. Your health insurance plan might also have a list of specialists. It's important to discuss any issues your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, work or home. You might feel embarrassed about the effects of your symptoms on your colleagues as well as teachers or supervisors. But these individuals might 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 tendency to be impulsive, and improve working memory for people with ADHD. However, this may cause negative side effects, and your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medications and therapy to best 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 you might be prescribed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation or brain training are also treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought, and change the way you think about your ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness meditation can sharpen self-awareness reduce emotional sensitivity and improve impulse control. For adults who do not respond to medications, other behavioral therapies have shown promising results. They include motivational interviewing, family and couples counseling, dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to concentrate and control impulsive behavior.