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ADHD Symptoms in Adults Test You will be asked about your childhood (technically, before the age of 12) by a mental health professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment. They could employ ADHD symptom checklists or standardized behavior ratings scales. Psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and some doctors are trained to diagnose ADHD in adults. They'll want to look over your past and determine how your symptoms affect your life. Symptoms If you are concerned about your memory and organizational skills, or are noticing that it's hard for you to keep up with work or home tasks, talk to your doctor. You could be referred to psychological tests to help determine if you have ADHD. These tests may include a questionnaire and rating scales that measure symptoms, or they may include specialized cognitive behavioral tests. The test will also consider your family and medical background, as well as any other conditions that may be a cause of ADHD symptoms or coexist with them, such as depression or learning disabilities. The psychiatric manual that is used by health care providers The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), defines 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 impacted the person's school, social, and work functioning. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD even when their symptoms are evident and impact almost every aspect of daily life. As children, they might have been able to overcome their symptoms, but as they become adults, their ability to pay more attention and remain organized is dramatically increased. People with ADHD typically have a harder time controlling their emotions than those without the disorder, and they tend to be less self-controlled. This means they tend to act on impulse and make decisions based on impulsiveness. They can also lose the track of important things and forget appointments. They also misplace important documents. Adults suffering 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 social and work interactions. Doctors rely on the history of a patient's current problems in order to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with an individual's daily life. A health care professional will first conduct a thorough exam to determine the cause of ADHD. This includes checking vision, hearing and thyroid function. The provider must also review a patient's family health history along with school records and other relevant documents. This information can help determine if a person has other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities. A trained mental health professional or doctor will meet with the patient. During this interview, the professional will ask the patient questions about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. The clinician will also ask for an assessment of the symptoms over a period of six months. The responses of the person will be compared with 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. Lastly, the person must exhibit significant impairment in at least two settings in their daily lives. There are many online sources that can be used to gauge whether or not you are suffering from ADHD in adults. These tests and scales of rating are helpful for a general overview, however they shouldn't be relied upon to make an assessment or determine if you require treatment. If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, it is best to speak with a qualified and experienced health expert for an evaluation. Treatment If you are having trouble remembering things, seem to always misplace your keys or have difficulties keeping up with school A primary care physician is able to test you for ADHD. Finding the right solutions for you and your loved ones starts with a diagnosis. A thorough evaluation includes a physical examination and an examination of your symptoms, their history as a child and any problems they have caused in their adult lives. Your doctor might also suggest to speak to your close friends or family members to get a full picture of your background and behavior. They'll also look for a medical issue that might explain your symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizures. Adults are evaluated for ADHD by using standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. Psychological tests will also be used to assess working memory as well as executive functions (planning and decisions) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. These tests can help them determine if you're an inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate. Non-stimulants are also readily available like atomoxetine Guanfacine and clonidine, however they are more difficult to use and may have adverse effects. Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions and develop coping strategies. CBT can also be utilized to improve relationships and performance. If your physician has no experience treating adults with ADHD they can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also locate specialists through your health insurance provider's online directory or by looking through the list of providers in your local support group. Medication ADHD can affect adults and may be treated with counseling, medication, or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help find solutions that are beneficial for you. Talk to your primary care provider for a referral to a specialist or search for doctors in the directory of your health insurance plan. A therapist or coach may also be able to give suggestions and tools for managing symptoms. A complete assessment includes medical tests, a family history including reports on issues at work or school or alcohol or drug abuse, and your relationships with family members and friends. Because people who suffer from ADHD often forget things that are important to them, a mental health professional may require you to keep the record of what you've been doing as well as where you've been and what you've eaten over several days. They'll also determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. There isn't an exact ADHD test, but an expert in mental health or health care provider will have to take a close look at your situation to identify the issue and the best course of action. If you had ADHD as a child and it has resulted in problems for you later in your life Your doctor will be especially interested in how your symptoms impact your daily functioning. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated first with medication. The most common medications used are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These medications increase the levels of certain chemicals in your brain and help you concentrate and manage your impulsive behavior. The long-acting and extended release versions of these drugs remain in your body longer, reducing the need to take the medication more frequently and lessening the rebound effect when it wears off. Counseling If your symptoms are severe enough your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who will diagnose and treat you. These specialists include psychologists specially trained to treat people with ADHD and also psychiatrists and therapists. Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a specialist or search online for mental health professionals in your region. Your health insurance plan may also have an alphabetical list of specialists. It is important to talk about any issues that your ADHD symptoms have caused at school, at work or home. You might be ashamed of the impact your symptoms have on your colleagues and teachers or supervisors. However, these people might be able to make minor accommodations that will aid you in achieving better results at your job or in class. Medications are often used to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants can improve attention, decrease the tendency to be impulsive and increase working memory in people with ADHD. They can trigger side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medication together with therapy to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor will also review your medical history to make sure that any other medications you're taking do not interact with the stimulants you might be prescribed. Other treatments for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation or brain training. CBT helps you alter negative thought patterns and reframe your thoughts about your ADHD symptoms. Mindfulness meditation can sharpen self-awareness, reduce emotional sensitivity and increase control over impulses. For adults who don't respond to medication, other behavioral therapies have shown promising results. ADHD symptom test for adults include motivational interviewing as well as family and couples counseling and dialectical behavior therapy for adults and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation to improve your ability focus and control impulsive behaviors.