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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 may employ ADHD symptoms checklists or standardized behavior ratings scales. Psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are able to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll be looking over your medical history and assess how your symptoms impact your life. Symptoms If you're concerned about your memory and organizational skills, or are noticing that it's difficult for you to keep up with work or home tasks, speak to your doctor. You could be scheduled for a psychological evaluation to determine if your condition is ADHD. These tests could include an assessment questionnaire, rating scales to assess symptoms, or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also take into consideration your medical history and family background and any other conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, like depression or learning disabilities. The psychiatric guideline used by health care providers, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), specifies the criteria used to diagnose 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 impacted the person's social, educational, and work functioning. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, even when their symptoms are evident and affect almost every aspect of everyday 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 increases dramatically. People suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions. They tend to be more self-controlled. They are more likely to make impulsive decisions and make decisions based on their emotions. They also tend to lose things, forget appointments or forget important documents. Adults suffering from ADHD can be categorized as moderate, mild or severe. Diagnosis Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children because adult symptoms are more focused on social and work interactions. Because of this, physicians rely more on a person's past and present problems to make an assessment. The symptoms must be so severe that they interfere with an individual's daily life. In order to diagnose ADHD, the health professional must first conduct an extensive examination. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The doctor should also go over the patient's health history as well as any relevant records, including school records. This information will help determine if the person has other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities. A physician or trained mental health professional will then interview the person. During the interview, the doctor will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and how these impact their lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms over a 6-month period. The person's responses will be compared to the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in adults, as established 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 exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their everyday life. Online resources can be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms in adults. While these tests and scales can give you a general idea however they should not be used to self-diagnose or determine the treatment plan you will follow. If you think you may have ADHD you should talk to an experienced and skilled medical professional for an assessment. Treatment A primary care physician will test you for ADHD when you have difficulty remembering things, are always prone to lose your keys, or have trouble keeping up with school. Finding the best solutions for you and your family members begins with a diagnosis. A thorough exam will include a physical examination and an explanation of your symptoms, which may include their history in childhood and any issues they've caused in adulthood. Your doctor may ask to talk with your partner or close friends, as well to get a complete picture of your personality and background. They will also look for a medical condition which could be the cause of your symptoms. Health care providers use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to evaluate adults for the condition. They'll also use psychological tests to test your working memory, executive functioning abilities (planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. ADHD adult female symptoms , methylphenidate, and other stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. Non-stimulants are also available, such as atomoxetine, the guanfacine and clonidine. However, they take longer to work and may cause side effects. Your doctor may suggest you try cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It assists people in learning to overcome 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 health care provider doesn't have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also look for an expert in the online directory of your health insurance company or by looking up a list of specialists in your local support group. Medication ADHD can affect adults and be treated with medication, counseling or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can assist you to find solutions that are beneficial for you. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to an expert. You can also look up doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A coach or therapist can provide advice and tools to manage symptoms. A complete evaluation will include medical examinations family histories, family histories, reports of work or school problems, drug and/or alcohol use as well as your relationships with family and friends. A mental health professional could request you to write down the things you did and where you went and what you ate over some time. This is because people suffering from ADHD tend to forget things. They will also check if you have any other medical conditions which could 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 case by a health care professional or mental health professional is needed to determine the cause and determine the most effective treatment. If you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child and it caused issues in your adult life the doctor is likely to be interested in how your symptoms affect you on an everyday basis. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first by medication. The most frequently used medications are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and Atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, which can help you control your impulse-driven behaviors. The long-acting and extended release versions of these medications remain in your body longer, reducing the need to take medications more often and lessening the effects of rebound after it wears off. Counseling If your symptoms are serious enough, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists who have been trained in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your primary care provider to refer you or look online for mental health specialists in your area. Your health insurance plan may also have the names of specialists. It's crucial to discuss any issues you or your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, at work or at home. You may be embarrassed by the effects your symptoms can have on your colleagues, teachers, or supervisors. They might be able to make small adjustments to improve your performance in class or at work. The use of medications is often to treat adults with ADHD. They can boost concentration, reduce impulsivity and enhance working memory among adults suffering from ADHD. However, they can have negative side effects, and your doctor will likely recommend a combination of medication and therapy to best manage your symptoms. Your doctor will go over your medication history in order to make sure that the stimulants prescribed do not interfere with other medications. Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), mindfulness meditation, or brain training are other treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you change negative thought patterns and reframe your perceptions about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation can help you become more aware of yourself and decrease emotional sensitivity. Other behavioral therapies are viable for adults who don't respond to medications. These include motivational interviews, family and couples counseling as well as dialectical behavior therapy for adults, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT combines CBT with mindfulness meditation to enhance your ability to concentrate and control an impulsive behaviour.