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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You may be asked about your childhood (technically at the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They could employ standardized scales for assessing behavior or ADHD symptom checklists. Adult ADHD can be diagnosed by psychiatrists and psychologists. Some doctors are qualified to make this diagnosis. They'll be interested in knowing your history and how you're feeling. Symptoms If you are concerned about your memory or organization abilities, or you notice that you are struggling to keep up with your home or work tasks, speak to your doctor. You could be scheduled for a psychological assessment to determine if your condition is ADHD. The tests may include an assessment 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 other issues such as depression and learning disabilities that may mimic ADHD symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is used by health care 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, school, and work functioning. Some adults go through life with undiagnosed ADHD, even though their symptoms are pronounced and interfere with almost every aspect of everyday life. As children, they might have been able to compensate for their symptoms, but as they become adults their ability to pay attention and remain organized increases dramatically. People with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions. They tend to be more self-controlled. They are more likely to make impulsive decisions and make impulsive decisions. extreme ADHD symptoms adults tend to lose things, forget appointments or lose important documents. Adults with 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 work and social interactions. Doctors rely on the history of a patient as well as their present issues to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must also be serious enough to disrupt the person's life. To determine if you have ADHD, a health care professional must first perform a thorough exam. This includes checking hearing, vision and thyroid function. The provider must also review the health history of the family member, school records and any other pertinent documents. 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 this interview, the professional will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. The doctor will also ask for an assessment of the symptoms over the course of six months. The responses of the person 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. The person must also show significant impairment in two areas of their everyday life. There are many online sources that can be used to determine whether or not you are suffering from ADHD in adults. These tests and rating scales are helpful for a general overview, but they should not be relied upon to create the diagnosis or determine whether you need treatment. If you think you might have ADHD, you should consult a trained and experienced healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. Treatment A primary care provider will examine you for ADHD if you have difficulty remembering things, constantly seem to lose your keys, or have trouble keeping up with school. A diagnosis is the first step to finding solutions that are beneficial for you and your family. A thorough examination will include a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms, which may include the history of your symptoms in childhood and any problems they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor might also suggest to talk to your close friends or family members to obtain a complete understanding of your past and behavior. They may also look for a medical condition which could be the cause of your symptoms. Adults are assessed for ADHD using standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They'll also use psychological tests that check working memory, executive functioning capabilities (planning and decision-making), visual and spatial 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 among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine, are also available. However, they may have negative side effects and take longer to work. Your doctor may recommend that you try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to reframe negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions as well as develop coping strategies. CBT can also be utilized to improve relationships and work performance. If your health care provider isn't experienced enough or doesn't have experience in treating adults with ADHD they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also find specialists 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 persist into adulthood, and treatment can include medications, counseling or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can assist you in finding solutions that are right for you. Request your primary care physician to recommend you to a specialist. You can also look up doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach might also be able to offer tips and techniques to help manage symptoms. A thorough evaluation will include medical examinations, a history of your family and reports of issues at work or school as well as alcohol and drug use and your relationship with family and friends. Since people who suffer from ADHD often forget things an expert in mental health might require you to keep track of what you've been doing along with where you've been, and what you've eaten over several days. They will also check to check if you're suffering from any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, seizure disorders or thyroid problems. There is no definitive test for ADHD, but a careful review of your situation by a health care professional or mental health professional is required to pinpoint the issue and determine the most effective treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid and it caused problems throughout your adulthood the doctor is likely to be interested in the way your symptoms affect you on a an everyday basis. Medication is usually the first treatment recommended for adults with ADHD. The most frequently used medications are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as atomoxetine. These drugs boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, helping you to focus and control your impulsive behavior. The extended release and long-acting versions of these drugs stay in your body for a longer time which means you don't have to take the medication more frequently and minimizing the effect of rebound when it wears off. Counseling If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor may recommend you to an expert for diagnosis and treatment. They include psychologists trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD and also psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Contact your primary care doctor for a referral, or search online for a mental health specialist in your region. Your health insurance plan might provide an alphabetical list of specialists. You should discuss any problems that your ADHD symptoms may have caused at home, work or school. You might be ashamed of the impact your symptoms can have on colleagues or teachers, as well as your supervisors. They may be able to make small adjustments to help you perform better in class or at work. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. They can boost attention, decrease the impulsivity of children and improve working memory in people with ADHD. However, they can cause adverse effects, so your doctor might suggest a combination of medications and therapy to best manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also look over your medical history to make sure that any other medications you are taking do not interact with the stimulants that you may be prescribed. Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) mindfulness meditation or brain training are also treatments for ADHD. CBT helps you alter negative thoughts and patterns of thought and help you reframe your thoughts about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can increase self-awareness and decrease emotional sensitivity. For adults who are unable to respond to medications, other behavioral therapies have demonstrated promising results. Included are motivational interviewing (MI), family and couple counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive treatment (MBCT). MBCT combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability to concentrate and control impulsive behavior.