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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test A mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will start by asking you about your experiences in childhood (technically before age 12). They might use ADHD symptoms checklists or standard behavior ratings scales. Adult ADHD is diagnosed by psychologists and psychiatrists. Certain doctors are qualified to make this diagnosis. They'll be looking over your history and how your symptoms impact your life. Signs and symptoms If you're worried about your memory or organization abilities, or you notice that it's hard for you to keep up with home or work tasks, consult your doctor. You could be referred to an assessment of your psychological health to help determine if you have ADHD. These tests could include a questionnaire and rating scales to evaluate symptoms or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also look at your family history and medical history, as well as other issues like learning disabilities and depression that may mimic ADHD symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, utilized by health professionals to identify 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 impacted the person's social, educational, and work functioning. Some adults go through life with undiagnosed ADHD, even the symptoms are obvious and interfere with nearly every facet of everyday life. As children, they may have been able to overcome their symptoms, but as adults they are able to pay more attention and stay organized increases dramatically. People with ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions and tend to be more self-controlled. They are more likely to make impulsive decisions and make decisions based on their emotions. They can also lose things, forget appointments or misplace important papers. Adults who suffer from ADHD are 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 look at the past of a patient and their current issues to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must also be so severe that they affect a person's daily life. In order to diagnose ADHD, medical professionals must first conduct an extensive exam. This includes checking the thyroid as well as hearing, vision and thyroid. The doctor should also go over the patient's medical history and any relevant records, including school records. This information can be used to determine if a patient suffers from any other mental disorders or learning disabilities. A trained physician or mental health professional will interview the person. During this time, the clinician will ask questions about the individual's symptoms and how they impact their lives. The clinician will also ask for a rating of the symptoms over the course of six months. The results of the individual will be compared with the guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in 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 aspects of their daily lives. There are many online resources that can be used to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD in adults. Although these tests and rating scales can provide a general idea but they should not be used to self-diagnose or determine the treatment plan you will follow. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD you should talk to an experienced and trained medical professional for an assessment. Treatment If you struggle to remember things, are prone to lose your keys, or have difficulties keeping up with school, a primary care provider can evaluate you for ADHD. Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step to finding solutions that work for you and your family. A thorough examination will include a physical examination and an examination of your symptoms, which may include their childhood history and any problems they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor may also request to talk to your partner or close friends to get a more complete understanding of your past and behavior. They will also look for a medical condition which could explain your symptoms. Health professionals use the same scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. Psychological tests can also be used to check working memory, executive functions (planning and 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 and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine are also available. However, they can cause adverse effects and can take longer to effect. You doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to overcome negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions and also develop strategies to cope. CBT can be used to improve performance and relationships. If your health care provider doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD, they might recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also locate a specialist by contacting your health insurance provider's online directory or by looking up the list of specialists in your local support group. Medication ADHD can affect adults and be treated with counseling, medication or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you find solutions that are beneficial for you. Consult your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist, or look up doctors listed in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach may also be able to offer tips and techniques for managing symptoms. A complete assessment includes medical examinations, a history of your family and reports of problems at work or school, drug and alcohol use, and your relationships with family members and friends. Because people with ADHD tend to forget things, a mental health professional might ask 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 if you suffer from any other medical issues that can cause similar symptoms. For instance seizures, thyroid issues or thyroid disorders. There is no test that can be definitively used for ADHD however a thorough examination of your situation by a health care professional or mental health professional is required to determine the cause and determine the best treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and it caused you problems in your adult life Your doctor will likely be interested in how your symptoms affect you on a an everyday basis. The first medication is typically the primary treatment recommended for adults with ADHD. The most commonly used medications are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as well as the atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which can help you focus and control impulse-driven behaviors. The extended release and long-acting versions of these medications remain in your body for a longer time which means you don't have to take medication more often and reducing the effect of rebound when it is finished. Counseling If your symptoms are severe enough, your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. They include psychologists who have been trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD as well as psychiatrists and therapists. Contact your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist or look online for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan may also provide a list of specialists. It is important to discuss any issues your ADHD symptoms could cause at work, at home or at school. You may be uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms can have on colleagues or teachers, as well as your supervisors. However, they may be able to make small adjustments to help you perform better at work or in class. Medications are often used to treat adults with ADHD. They can boost concentration, reduce the impulsivity of children and improve working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. However, what is adult ADHD symptoms can cause adverse effects, so your doctor may recommend a combination of medication and therapy to best manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also review your medical history to ensure that any other medications you take don't interact with the stimulants you might be prescribed. Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) mindfulness meditation, or brain training are other treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you change negative thought patterns, and reframe how you feel about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can increase self-awareness reduce emotional sensitivity and improve control of impulses. For adults who are unable to respond to medication, alternative behavioral therapies have produced promising results. Included are motivational interviewing (MI) as well as family and couple counseling, dialectical behavioral therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates CBT and mindfulness meditation to increase your ability to concentrate and control the impulsive behavior.