ADHD symptoms in adulthood For Adults
If you feel anxious and often lose things, or if you find yourself struggling to concentrate on something, you might require an ADHD evaluation. The evaluation is usually performed by a health care professional or mental health professional.
Your evaluator will ask you questions about your symptoms, as well as any other issues you've experienced.
Symptoms
An ADHD test for adults can help people determine whether their symptoms suggest they have an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This test will help them determine the most effective treatment for improving their relationships and quality of life.
A medical professional will conduct an interview with the patient to review their history and evaluate the symptoms. The patient should be prepared to discuss the problems they are having and how these affect their daily life, at work, school at home, and at work. They should be able to provide specific details regarding their symptoms, how they have changed over time, and the impact they have had on their relationships. You will be asked about your experiences with ADHD, from childhood to now. You may be asked to provide records like old report cards, performance evaluations or psychiatric testing. If it is possible the doctor will also interview other individuals who are close to the patient, for example, their spouse, partner, or parents. This isn't about whether their answers are truthful, but to get more details about how they have been affected by a person's ADHD symptoms.
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of ADHD. Inattention can make it hard to follow directions, complete chores, or complete tasks at school, at work, and during play. They can also cause accidental mistakes that can lead to frustration and humiliation. People with ADHD also have difficulty understanding and observing social boundaries. They may interrupt or interfere into conversations or activities without realizing it is disruptive.
Other signs of ADHD include being easily bored, having trouble staying focused or losing enthusiasm for the course of. They aren't organized, often forget appointments or things, and underestimate the time it takes to complete a given task. They are often unable to remember what they've been taught and look at the speaker in a glazed over expression.
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD or undiagnosed because they show various symptoms. They may lack organizational skills at home or at work or may be unorganized however, they are more likely to exhibit inattention ADHD symptoms as opposed to hyperactivity or impulse control.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have undiagnosed ADHD discuss it with your primary care provider about it. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is skilled in assessing and treating adult ADHD. They could also refer you a specialist in the health insurance plan's directory, or a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD.
A thorough evaluation will begin with a thorough discussion to explore your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The evaluator will also review your medical, psychiatric, and personal medical history. They will consult a manual provided by the American Psychiatric Association, which provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults.
The evaluator will employ a variety of types of rating scales for ADHD symptoms and severity. They include self-report scales like the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and observer (parents friends, partners, parents) ratings. The evaluator may also conduct psychological tests to examine executive functions, working memory, (abilities related to decision-making and planning) and visual and spatial abilities. The evaluator is looking for conditions that could resemble ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may experience difficulties in a variety areas, including work, relationships and home life. To be eligible for a diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at least six months and significantly affect functioning in two or more life domains (work, school, and home). They must be having difficulty managing their time, making and keeping commitments, as well as organizing their belongings.
A thorough evaluation could take from some hours to a few days. The examiner should write a report outlining their findings and discuss it with you. The evaluator usually suggests the treatment plan, which could include medication if required.
Three types of medication can help improve impulsivity, hyperactivity and attention in adults with ADHD. Stimulants, the most common, boost brain activity and increase concentration by altering dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is found in the prefrontal cortex. Non-stimulants are less likely cause side effects and can be used alone or together with stimulants to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Treatment
There are many types of ADHD treatment options, including medication and counseling. Some people find a mix of treatments works best. Your doctor will suggest the best option for you. A health professional will conduct an interview in a clinic and rating scales, in addition to information from family members and friends to diagnose ADHD. The person must have at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity over six months and the symptoms must disrupt daily functioning. The behavior must have begun at or before the age of 12 and the symptoms cannot be caused by another condition, such as depression or anxiety.
A thorough assessment can include psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing and a physical exam. The results of tests can provide important information on how ADHD can affect a person's life and the ability of them to achieve success at work, school and relationships. Psychological and neuropsychological tests can also reveal the presence of comorbid conditions like mood disorders or intellectual disabilities.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD. It comes in the form of liquids, tablets and patches. The adverse effects of medication could include stomach upset weight gain, headaches, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain people with ADHD who are taking stimulants might notice a sudden drop in energy or a "crash." ADHD symptoms in adulthood might be tired and angry.
Counseling for adults suffering from ADHD can aid in improving coping skills and address issues at work, school and in relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person manage their emotions and shift negative thinking patterns to more positive ones. Family therapy and counseling for marriage can help loved ones understand the difficulties of living with someone with ADHD and learn how to help them.
The use of medication isn't the only option for treating adults with ADHD however, they're the most effective. Before prescribing a drug your doctor will look at other factors such as how well the patient is doing as well as their background and lifestyle, other health issues and drug interactions. Some health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes may interact with certain ADHD medications, and your doctor will be able to determine these interactions during the initial interview.
Support
ADHD can impact the way a person lives at home, at work and school. It can cause issues in relationships and make it difficult to hold a job. The disorder can lead to difficulty staying organized and remembering important events or tasks. People who have undiagnosed ADHD may experience these issues more frequently than those who have been diagnosed with the disorder. There are many resources to assist adults suffering from ADHD.
Adults who suspect that they have ADHD should begin by speaking with their primary care provider. A majority of doctors can perform an evaluation and refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. They can also help with coping skills and educate about the condition.
During an evaluation, the evaluator will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life at home, at work and in relationships. They could use questionnaires, rating scales or checklists to determine your symptoms. They may also check to determine if there are any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. They will give you a final report that outlines your findings and suggest ways to treat.
You can also join an adult ADHD support group. Local groups can be found on the website of CHADD the biggest national organization for ADHD. There are groups for women who are older than 50, parents, kids and adults LGBTQIA+ and men. Some of the groups are available online while others meet face-to-face. The groups are led by experienced facilitators and also feature guest speakers who talk about diverse topics.
You may also request a referral to an expert who can assess adults for ADHD from your primary care provider. You can also search for a specialist on your insurance plan's list or contact a hospital affiliated with a university or medical school for recommendations. Many insurance plans list professionals by specialty which means you can easily locate a specialist who deals with ADHD in adults. If you're not comfortable asking for a recommendation then you can contact an CHADD affiliate and inquire if they have local support groups.