ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test
You'll be asked about your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They may use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and some doctors are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults. They will be interested in knowing your history and how you're feeling.
Symptoms
Consult your physician if you're worried about your memory or organization skills or you're finding it difficult for you to keep on the top of your work or home tasks. You may be referred for psychological tests to help determine if you have ADHD. These tests can include a questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavior tests. The test will also consider your medical history and family background, in addition to other issues, such as learning disabilities and depression that could be a symptom of ADHD symptoms.
The psychiatric manual used by health care providers 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. These symptoms must have negatively affected the person's ability to perform in school, social and work environments.
Undiagnosed ADHD can affect adults in many ways despite the fact that their symptoms are severe and interfere with almost every aspect of daily life. As children, they may have been able to compensate for their symptoms, but as they become adults, their ability to pay attention and stay organized improves dramatically.
People with ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their emotions than those who are not affected, and they tend to be less self-controlled. As a result, they are more likely to act on impulse and make impulsive choices. They can also lose things, forget appointments or misplace important papers. Adults with ADHD are classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the symptoms of adulthood are focused on social and work interactions. Doctors look at the past of a patient and their current problems in order to determine if they have ADHD. The symptoms must be so severe that they interfere with a person's everyday life.
A health care professional must first complete a thorough examination in order to diagnose ADHD. This includes checking hearing, vision and thyroid function. The doctor should also look at the patient's health history, family history along with school records and other relevant records. This information can aid in determining if the patient is suffering from other mental health issues or learning disabilities.
A trained mental health professional or a physician will interview the person. During the interview, a clinician will ask questions about the individual's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They will also ask the individual to rate their symptoms over a period of six months. The person's responses will be compared to the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in adults, as set 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 demonstrate significant impairment in at least two different settings in their daily lives.
There are a number of online resources that can be used to gauge whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD in adults. These tests and scales of rating can be useful for a general overview however they shouldn't be relied upon to make the diagnosis or determine whether you need treatment. If you suspect you might have ADHD, you should consult a trained and experienced medical professional for an assessment.
Treatment
If you have trouble remembering things, you seem to constantly lose your keys or experience difficulty keeping up with your schoolwork A primary care doctor will be able to evaluate you for ADHD. A diagnosis is the first step in finding solutions that work for you and your family.
ADHD in adults symptoms quiz 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 might ask you to talk to your partner or other close friends, as well to get a more complete picture of your behavior and the history. They will also search for a medical condition which could explain your symptoms.
Health care professionals employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. Psychological tests can also be used to test working memory as well as 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.
The most commonly prescribed medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine, are also available. However, they may have side effects and may take longer to work.
You doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning to overcome negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions and also develop coping strategies. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and work performance. If your doctor does not have expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD they might recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also look for specialists in the online directory of your health insurance provider or by looking up a list of doctors at your local support group.
Medication
The effects of ADHD tend to last into adulthood, and treatment may include medications, counseling or lifestyle modifications. Your doctor can assist you to discover solutions that will work for you. Talk to your primary care provider to refer you to a specialist or look up doctors listed in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach can provide advice and tools to manage symptoms.
A complete evaluation will include medical examinations, family histories, reports of school or work problems, drug and/or alcohol usage as well as your relationships with family and friends. A mental health professional might ask you to record the things you did, where you went, and what you ate for several 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, thyroid problems or seizures disorders.
There is no test that can be definitively used for ADHD, but a careful review of your situation by a medical professional or mental health professional is required to determine the cause and determine the best treatment. If you suffered from ADHD as a child and it has caused problems for you in your life your doctor will be particularly interested in how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication first. The most commonly used drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin), Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which help you control your impulsive behaviors. The long-acting and extended release versions of these drugs remain in your body for a longer time and reduce the need to take medications more often and minimizing the rebound effect when it is gone.
Counseling
If your symptoms are serious enough your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists with training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you or search on the internet for mental health specialists in your region. Your health insurance plan may also have a list of specialists.
It is important to talk about any issues you or your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, at work or at home. You may feel embarrassed by the effects your symptoms can have on colleagues and teachers or supervisors. These individuals may be able make small adjustments to assist you in your class or at work.
Adult ADHD is often treated by medication. The use of stimulants can help improve attention, decrease impulsivity and enhance working memory in people with ADHD. However, they may cause side effects, so your doctor will likely suggest a combination of medications and therapy to manage your symptoms. Your doctor will review your medication history to ensure that the stimulants prescribed don't interfere with other medication.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation or brain training. CBT can help you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought, and help you reframe your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can improve self-awareness and decrease emotional sensitivities.
For adults who don't respond to medications, other behavioral therapies have produced promising results. These include motivational interviews, family and couples counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation to increase your ability to concentrate and control impulsive behavior.