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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You may be asked about your childhood (technically, before the age of 12) by an expert in mental health who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They could use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists. 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. Symptoms Talk to your doctor If you're concerned about your memory or organizational skills or notice it's difficult for you to keep on with your home or work tasks. You may be recommended for an assessment of your psychological health to determine if have ADHD. These tests can include a questionnaire and rating scales to evaluate symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavior tests. The test will also consider your medical history and family history, as well as any other issues that might be a cause of ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, such as depression or learning disabilities. 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 affected the person's social, educational, and work functioning. Adults can live with undiagnosed ADHD, even when their symptoms are evident and affect nearly every facet of daily living. As children, they might have been able compensate for their symptoms, but as adults their ability to pay more attention and remain organized increases dramatically. People with ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions. They are also more likely to be more self-controlled. As a result, they tend to act on impulse and make decisions based on impulsiveness. They also tend to lose track of their schedules forget appointments, or misplace important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be 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. Doctors look at the past of a patient as well as their current issues to determine if they have ADHD. The symptoms should also be so severe that they interfere with an individual's daily life. A medical professional will first need to conduct a thorough exam to determine if you suffer from ADHD. This includes examining the thyroid as well as hearing, vision and thyroid. The doctor should also look over the patient's medical history and any relevant records, including school records. This information can be used to determine if the patient has any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities. A trained mental health professional or physician will interview the person. During signs and symptoms of add and ADHD in adults , the clinician will ask questions about the individual's symptoms and how they impact their lives. The clinician will also request an assessment of the symptoms over a period of six months. The results of the individual will be compared with guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. 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 different settings in their daily life. Online resources can be used to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. These tests and rating scales are useful for a general overview however they shouldn't be relied upon to create the diagnosis or determine whether you need treatment. If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, it is best to consult with a trained and experienced health care professional for an assessment. Treatment A primary care provider will examine you for ADHD when you have difficulty remembering things, always seem to lose your keys, or are having trouble keeping up with school. Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step towards finding solutions that will benefit you and your family. A thorough evaluation will include a physical examination and an explanation of your symptoms, including their childhood history and any issues they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor may suggest that you talk with your partner or close friends, as well to get a more complete picture of your behavior and the history. They may also look for a medical condition that may be causing your symptoms. Health care professionals employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. They'll also use psychological tests that check 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. 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 require longer time to work and may have adverse effects. Your doctor may suggest you try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn how to change their negative patterns of thinking and manage their emotions. It also helps them develop coping skills. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and work performance. If your healthcare provider doesn't have experience treating adults with ADHD they may recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also find a specialist by contacting your health insurance provider's online directory or by looking through the list of providers within 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 in determining solutions that are right for you. Talk to your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist, or search for doctors in your health insurance plan's directory. A therapist or coach can also offer tips and tools to manage symptoms. A thorough evaluation will include medical tests, a family history and reports of issues at work or school or alcohol or drug abuse and your relationship with family members and friends. A mental health professional could ask you to record what you did and where you went and what you ate for a few days. This is because people with ADHD tend to forget things. They will also check if you have any other medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For instance seizures, thyroid problems or thyroid disorders. There isn't a definitive test for ADHD however a thorough review of your situation by a medical professional or mental health professional is required to determine the cause and determine the best course of action. If you had ADHD as when you were a child and it's resulted in problems for you later in your life Your doctor will be especially interested in the way your symptoms affect your daily activities. Medication is usually the first treatment recommended for adults with ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as the lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, helping you to focus and manage your impulsive behavior. They are available in long-acting and extended-release versions that stay in your system for longer. This reduces the need to take them more often and also the rebound effect after they wear 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 suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider for a referral or search online for a mental health specialist in your region. Your health insurance plan might also provide the names of specialists. You should discuss any problems you have with your ADHD symptoms may have caused at home, work or at school. You might feel embarrassed about the impact of your symptoms on your colleagues as well as teachers or supervisors. However, they may be able to make minor adjustments that can help you perform better at work or in class. Medications are often used to treat adult ADHD. stimulants increase attention, reduce impulsivity, and enhance working memory in adults suffering from ADHD. However, they may cause adverse effects, so your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medication and therapy to best manage your symptoms. Your doctor will look over your medication history in order to make sure that the stimulants prescribed do not interact with any other medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation, or brain training are all other options for ADHD. CBT can help you overcome negative thought patterns, and reframe how you feel about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can help you become more aware of yourself and decrease emotional sensitivities. For adults who are unable to respond to medications, other behavioral therapies have produced promising results. The therapies include motivational interviewing (MI), couple and family counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults as well as mindfulness-based cognitive treatment (MBCT). MBCT integrates CBT with mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.