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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You may be asked about your childhood (technically, before the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They may utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or standardized behavior ratings scales. Adult ADHD is diagnosed by psychiatrists and psychologists. Some physicians are also qualified to do so. They'll be looking over your past and determine how your symptoms affect your life. Signs and symptoms If you are concerned about your memory and organizational skills, or notice that it's hard for you to keep up with work or home tasks, speak to your doctor. You may be sent for a psychological assessment to determine if your condition is ADHD. These tests can include a questionnaire and rating scales to evaluate symptoms or specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The evaluation will also examine your family history and medical background, in addition to other issues like depression and learning disabilities which may be similar to ADHD symptoms. The psychiatric manual that is used by health care professionals, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), specifies the criteria used to diagnose adults with ADHD. For adult female ADHD symptoms 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 function in social, school and workplace settings. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect adults in different ways despite the fact that their symptoms are severe and affect almost every aspect of daily life. They may have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children, but as they mature and have to manage more tasks and responsibilities, the demands on their ability to focus and stay organized are heightened. People with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions. They are also more likely to be less self-controlled. In turn, they are more likely to act on impulse and make decisions based on impulsiveness. They may also lose things, forget appointments and forget important documents. Adults who suffer from ADHD are classified as moderate, mild or severe. Diagnosis The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complex than diagnosing it in children, as symptoms in adulthood are focused on work and social interactions. Doctors look at the past of a patient as well as their current issues to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough that they affect a person's daily life. In order to diagnose ADHD, medical professionals must first conduct an extensive examination. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The doctor must also look over the patient's health history, family history, school records and any other relevant records. This information can be used to determine if a person suffers from any other mental disorders or learning disabilities. A trained mental health professional or doctor will meet with the patient. During the interview, a clinician will ask the person questions about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor will also request an assessment of the symptoms over the course of six months. The answers of the person will be compared with the criteria 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 exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their daily lives. Online resources can be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms in adults. These tests and scales of rating are useful for a general overview, however they shouldn't be relied upon to make an assessment or determine if you need treatment. If you suspect you may have ADHD you should talk to an experienced and skilled healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. Treatment A primary care physician can test you for ADHD when you have difficulty remembering things, constantly seem to lose your keys, or have trouble keeping up with school. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to finding solutions that are beneficial for you and your family. A thorough examination will include a physical examination and a discussion 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, too to get a complete picture of your behavior and the history. They may also look for a medical issue that may be causing your symptoms. Health professionals use standard 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 treatments for ADHD. Non-stimulants are also available like atomoxetine clonidine and guanfacine, but they require longer time to work and may cause side effects. Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn how to reframe their negative thinking patterns, manage their emotions and develop coping skills. CBT can also be used to improve relationships and work performance. If your health care provider isn't experienced enough or doesn't have experience treating adults with ADHD, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also find a specialist through your health insurance company's online directory or by looking through the list of providers within your local support group. Medication The effects of ADHD tend to last until adulthood and treatment may include medications, counseling or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can assist you to find solutions that are beneficial for you. Consult your primary care provider for a referral to a specialist, or look up doctors listed in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach can also offer tips and tools for managing symptoms. A complete evaluation includes medical examinations, a family history, reports of school or work problems, drug and alcohol use, and your relationships with family and friends. Because people who suffer from ADHD often forget things, a mental health professional may request that you keep track of the activities you've engaged in as well as where you've been and what you've eaten over several days. They'll also look into whether you suffer from any other medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For instance seizures, thyroid issues or thyroid disorders. There isn't an exact ADHD test, but an expert in mental health or health care provider will need to carefully review your situation to determine the problem and the best treatment. If you suffered from 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 how your symptoms affect your daily functioning. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication first. The most commonly used drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (Adderall) and Atomoxetine. These drugs increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and help you concentrate and control your impulsive behavior. The long-acting and extended release versions of these drugs remain in your body longer which means you don't have to take medications more often and minimizing the effects of rebound after it is gone. Counseling If your symptoms are severe enough your doctor will refer you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat you. They include psychologists who are trained to treat adults with ADHD as well as psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Ask your primary care physician to recommend you or search online for mental health professionals in your area. Your health insurance plan may also include a list. You should discuss any problems that your ADHD symptoms could cause at work, at home or at school. You may feel uncomfortable about the impact your symptoms can have on colleagues, 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 with medication. They can boost attention, decrease impulsivity and enhance working memory in adults with ADHD. However, they can cause adverse effects, so your doctor may suggest a combination of medications and therapy to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also go over your medical history to ensure that any other medications you're taking don't interact with the stimulants you may be prescribed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness meditation, or brain training are also treatments for ADHD. CBT can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and help you reframe your feelings about your ADHD symptoms. Meditation on mindfulness can help you become more aware of yourself reduce emotional sensitivity and increase control over impulses. For adults who don't respond to medication, alternative behavioral therapies have produced promising results. These include motivational interviews and counseling for couples and families, dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT incorporates cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability to concentrate and control your impulsive behavior.