ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You'll be asked about your childhood (technically at the age of 12) by an expert in mental health who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They can employ standardized scales for assessing behavior or ADHD symptoms checklists.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed by psychologists and psychiatrists. Certain doctors are competent to diagnose it. They will want to know your history and how you are feeling.
Symptoms
If you are concerned about your memory and organization skills, or are noticing that it's difficult for you to keep up with work or home tasks, consult your doctor. You may be recommended for a psychological test to determine if you are suffering from ADHD. These tests can 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 history as well as other issues such as learning disabilities and depression that could be a symptom of ADHD symptoms.
The psychiatric manual that is used by health care professionals, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), establishes the criteria for diagnosing adults with 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. ADHD in adult men symptoms must have negatively affected the person's ability to function in social, school and work settings.
Undiagnosed ADHD can affect adults in many ways despite the fact that the symptoms are severe and affect the majority of aspects of daily life. They may have been able to overcome their symptoms as children, but when they become adults and attempt to take on more tasks the demands on their ability to pay attention and stay organized increase dramatically.
People suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions and tend to be more self-controlled. In turn, they are more likely to make decisions based on their emotions and make impulsive decisions. They can also lose things, forget appointments and lose important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD are classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing it in children, as symptoms in adulthood are centered on social and work interactions. Because of this, doctors depend more on an individual's past and present problems to make the diagnosis. Symptoms must also be severe enough to cause disruption to the person's life.
A health professional will first perform a thorough examination in order to diagnose ADHD. This includes examining the thyroid and hearing, as well as vision. The doctor must also look over a patient's family health history along with school records and other pertinent records. This information can be used to determine if a patient suffers from any other mental disorders or learning disabilities.
A doctor or trained mental health professional will then interview the patient. During the interview, the professional will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and how these affect their lives. They will also ask the person to assess their symptoms over a period of six months. 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. Lastly, the person must be able to demonstrate significant impairment in at least two settings in their daily life.
Online resources can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms in adults. While these tests and scales can provide a general idea, they should not be used to diagnose yourself or determine the treatment plan you will follow. If you suspect you might have ADHD you should talk to an experienced and skilled medical professional for an assessment.
Treatment
A primary care doctor can examine you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, always seem to lose your keys or are having trouble keeping up with school. Finding the best solution for you and your family members starts with an assessment.
A thorough evaluation includes a physical exam and a discussion about your symptoms, their history as a child and any problems they have caused in their adult lives. Your doctor might ask you to talk to 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 may be causing your symptoms.
Adults are assessed for ADHD by using standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Psychological tests are also used to assess working memory and 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, methylphenidate and other stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Non-stimulants are also readily available, such as atomoxetine, Guanfacine and clonidine, however they are more difficult to use and can have side effects.
You doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It assists people to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions, and develop coping strategies. CBT can be used to improve workplace performance and relationships. If your healthcare provider doesn't have experience in treating adults with ADHD they may recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also look for specialists in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by searching a list of providers at your local support group.
Medication
ADHD can affect adults and can be treated with medication, counseling or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can assist you to find solutions that work for you. Consult your primary care provider for a referral to a specialist or look up doctors listed on your health insurance plan's directory. A coach or therapist may provide advice and tools to help manage symptoms.
A complete assessment includes medical tests, a family history including reports on problems at work or school as well as alcohol and drug use and your relationships with friends and family members. A mental health professional might request you to write down the activities you took part in and where you went and what you ate for a few days. This is because people with ADHD tend to forget things. They'll also determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
There isn't a definitive test for ADHD however a thorough review of your case by a health care professional or mental health professional is needed to identify the problem and determine the most effective treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it caused you problems throughout your adulthood, your doctor will likely be interested in the way your symptoms affect you on a an everyday basis.
Medication is usually the first treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently used medications are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and the atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, helping you to focus and manage your impulsive behavior. These medications are available in long-acting and extended-release versions that remain in your system longer. This reduces the need to take them more often and also the rebound effect after they have worn off.
Counseling
If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor might recommend you to an expert to determine the cause and treatment. These specialists include psychologists psychiatrists and therapists with training in treating adults with ADHD. Consult your primary care physician for a referral or look online for a mental health specialist in your area. Your health insurance plan may include a list.
You should talk to your doctor about any issues you have with your ADHD symptoms may cause at work, at home or at school. You may be uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms have on your colleagues and teachers or supervisors. But these individuals might be able to make minor adjustments that can aid you in achieving better results at your job or in class.
Adult ADHD is often treated with medication. They can boost attention, decrease the tendency to be impulsive and increase working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. However, they can have adverse effects, so your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medications and therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will go over your medication history to ensure that the stimulants prescribed don't interact with any other medications.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), mindfulness meditation, or brain training are other treatments for ADHD. CBT helps you change negative thought patterns and reframe your thoughts about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can improve self-awareness and decrease emotional sensitivities.
Other behavioral therapies are promising for adults who don't respond to medication. These include motivational interviews and counseling for couples and families as well as 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 the impulsive behavior.