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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You may be asked about your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12) by an expert in mental health who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They might use ADHD symptoms checklists or standardized behavior ratings scales. Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and some physicians are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults. They will need to know your past and how you are feeling. Symptoms Speak to your doctor If you're concerned about your memory or organizational abilities or you notice it's becoming difficult to stay on top of work or home tasks. You could be scheduled for a psychological assessment to determine if your condition is ADHD. These tests may include a questionnaire and rating scales that assess symptoms, or they may include specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also take into consideration your medical history and family background, as well as any other issues that might mimic ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, for example, learning disabilities or depression. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is used by health care 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 impacted the person's school, social, and work functioning. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect adults in different ways, despite the fact that their symptoms are severe and impact the majority of aspects of daily life. As children, they may have been able compensate for their symptoms, but as they become adults they are able to pay more attention and remain organized is dramatically increased. People suffering from ADHD typically have a harder time managing their emotions than people who do not suffer from the disorder, and they tend to be less self-controlled. They tend to be impulsive and make decisions based on their emotions. They also tend to lose things, forget appointments or lose important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as moderate, mild, or severe. Diagnosis Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complex than diagnosing it in children, as symptoms in adulthood are focused on social interactions and work. Doctors are able to use the history of a patient as well as their current problems in order to determine if they have ADHD. The symptoms should also be severe enough that they affect a person's daily life. A health professional must first complete a thorough examination to determine if you suffer from ADHD. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The provider must also review a patient's family health history along with school records and other pertinent records. This information will aid in determining if the patient is suffering from other mental health issues or learning disabilities. A trained physician or mental health professional will interview the individual. During the interview, the physician will ask questions regarding the individual's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms over a 6-month period. The responses of the person will be compared with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in adults, as defined 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 everyday life. Online resources can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. Although these tests and rating scales can provide a general idea but they shouldn't be used to self-diagnose or determine the treatment plan you will follow. If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is recommended to talk to a trained and experienced health professional for an evaluation. Treatment If you struggle to remember things, seem to always lose your keys, or have difficulty keeping up with your schoolwork A primary care physician can evaluate you for ADHD. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in finding solutions that work for you and your family. A thorough assessment 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 might ask you to talk with your partner or close friends, as well to get a more complete picture of your behavior and history. They may also look for a medical condition that could be the cause of your symptoms. Health care providers use the same scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists to test adults for the condition. They also conduct psychological tests to assess your working memory, executive functioning capabilities (planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual abilities and reasoning. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like Clonidine and atomoxetine, are also available. However, they can have side effects and can take longer to effect. Your doctor might recommend you try cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning how to reframe their negative thinking patterns, manage their emotions and develop coping skills. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and work performance. If your health care provider doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD they may recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also find specialists in the online directory of your health insurance company or by looking up a list of providers in 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 changes. Your doctor can assist you to discover solutions that will work for you. Consult your primary care doctor for a referral to a specialist or look up doctors listed on the health insurance plan's directory. A coach or therapist may also offer tips and tools to help manage symptoms. A thorough evaluation will consist of medical examinations, family histories, reports of work or school issues, alcohol or drug use and your relationships with family members and friends. Since people with ADHD tend to forget things an expert in mental health might require you to keep track of the activities you've engaged in, where you've been and what you've eaten over several days. They'll also look into whether you suffer from any other medical issues that may cause similar symptoms. For instance seizures, thyroid problems or thyroid disorders. There isn't a definitive ADHD test, however a mental health professional or health care provider will have to take a close look at your situation to identify the issue and the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child and it has caused problems throughout your adulthood Your doctor will likely be interested in the way your symptoms affect you on a daily basis. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first by medication. The most frequently used medications are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and Atomoxetine. These drugs boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, which helps you concentrate and control the impulsive behavior. These medications are available in extended-release and long-acting versions that remain in your system for a longer period of time. This reduces the need to take them more often and the rebound effect after they are gone. Counseling If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. Specialists in this field include psychologists trained to treat adults with ADHD and also psychiatrists and therapists. Ask your primary care physician to recommend you or search online for mental health professionals in your region. Your health insurance plan may include a list. It's crucial to discuss any issues you or your ADHD symptoms have caused at work, school or home. You may be embarrassed by the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your co-workers and teachers, or supervisors. They might be able to make small adjustments to assist you in class or at work. Adult ADHD is often treated with medication. They can boost the concentration of children, reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase working memory in adults with ADHD. They can also cause adverse effects. Your doctor will likely prescribe a mixture of medications along with therapy to treat your symptoms. Your doctor will also go over your medical history to ensure that any other medications you are taking do not interact with the stimulants that you may be prescribed. Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), brain training or mindfulness meditation. CBT helps you to change negative thinking patterns and reframe how you feel about your ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness meditation can sharpen self-awareness reduce emotional sensitivity and improve control of impulses. Other behavioral therapies are promising for adults who aren't responding to medications. Included are combined ADHD symptoms in adults (MI) and counseling for couples and families and dialectical behavioral therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive treatment (MBCT). MBCT combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to increase your ability to focus and control impulsive behaviors.