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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test A mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will want to start by asking you about your childhood experiences (technically before the age of 12). They could employ standardized scales for assessing behavior or ADHD symptom checklists. Psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and some physicians are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll need to know your past and the way you feel. Signs and symptoms If you are concerned about your memory and organizational abilities, or you notice that it's difficult for you to keep up with your home or work tasks, speak to your doctor. You may be referred for an assessment of your psychological health to help determine if you are suffering from ADHD. The tests may include the use of a questionnaire and rating scales to evaluate symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also look at your family and medical history, as well as any other issues that might mimic ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, for example, depression or learning disabilities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by health professionals to diagnose adults suffering from 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 affected the person's social, educational, and work functioning. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect adults in a variety of ways even though their symptoms are severe and impact almost every aspect of daily life. As children, they may have been able to compensate for their symptoms, but as adults their ability to pay attention and stay organized improves dramatically. People suffering from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their emotions than those without the disorder, and they tend to be less self-controlled. They tend to be impulsive and make impulsive choices. They also tend to lose the track of important things and forget appointments. They also misplace important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Diagnosis Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complex than diagnosing children because symptoms in adulthood are focused on social and work interactions. Doctors look at the past of a patient as well as their present issues to determine if they have ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause disruption to the individual's life. In order to diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must first perform a thorough examination. This includes checking hearing, vision and thyroid function. The doctor should also look at a patient's family health history, school records and any other pertinent documents. 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 a physician will conduct an interview with the patient. During the interview, a clinician will ask questions about the person's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They will also ask the individual to assess their symptoms over a period of six months. The results will be compared to 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 person must also show significant impairment in two aspects of their everyday life. There are numerous online resources that can be used to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD in adults. These tests and rating scales are helpful for a general overview, however they shouldn't be relied upon to make an assessment or determine if you need treatment. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is best to consult with a trained and experienced health care expert for an assessment. Treatment A primary care provider can examine you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, are always prone to lose your keys or struggle to keep up with school. Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards finding solutions that will benefit you and your family. A thorough evaluation includes a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms, their history as a child and any problems they have caused in adulthood. Your doctor may ask to talk to your partner or close friends, too to get a complete picture of your behavior and the history. They will also search for a medical condition that could explain your symptoms. Adults are screened for ADHD using standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. 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 treatment for ADHD is stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Non-stimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine, are also available. However, they can cause negative side effects and can take longer to effect. Your doctor might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions and also develop strategies to cope. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and work performance. If your doctor has no expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD they may recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also find an expert in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by searching a list of specialists at your local support group. Medication ADHD can affect adults and be treated with medication, counseling or lifestyle modifications. Your doctor can help in determining solutions that are right for you. Request your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist. You can also look up doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist may provide tips and tools to manage symptoms. A complete evaluation will include medical examinations family histories, family histories, reports of school or work issues, alcohol or drug use and your relationships with family members and friends. Because people who suffer from ADHD tend to forget things an expert in mental health might request that you keep the record of what you've been doing, where you've been and what you've eaten for several days. They'll also look into whether you suffer from any other medical conditions which may cause similar symptoms. For example seizures, thyroid issues or thyroid disorders. There isn't an exact ADHD test, however an expert in mental health or health care provider will need to carefully review your situation to identify the issue and the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as 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 an everyday basis. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medication first. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and Atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals which helps you focus and control impulsive behavior. They are available in extended-release and longer-acting versions that remain in your system for longer. This decreases the need to take them more often and the rebound effect after they wear off. Counseling If your symptoms are serious enough your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. They include psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists who have been trained in treating adults with ADHD. Ask your primary care physician to refer you or search on the internet for mental health specialists in your region. Your health insurance plan may also provide an alphabetical list of specialists. You should talk to your doctor about any issues that your ADHD symptoms could cause at work, at home or school. You may be uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms can have on coworkers or teachers, as well as your supervisors. However, they may be able to make minor adjustments that can help you perform better at work or in class. Medications are often us ed to treat adults with ADHD. Stimulants can improve attention, decrease the tendency to be impulsive and increase working memory in people with ADHD. However, they may cause negative side effects, and your doctor will likely recommend a combination of medication and therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will go over your medication history in order to ensure that the stimulants prescribed don't interact with any other medication. Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation or brain training. CBT helps you alter negative thinking patterns and change your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can increase self-awareness and reduce emotional sensitivity. For adults who do not respond to medication, alternative behavioral therapies have demonstrated promising results. Included are motivational interviewing (MI), family and couple counseling, dialectical behavioral therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive treatment (MBCT). MBCT incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to concentrate and control impulsive behavior.