Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD in adults tend to go undiagnosed and untreated. This online screening test can help you understand if you may have symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
To diagnose ADHD in adults an assessment by a professional psychiatrist is required. This involves a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history and family history and interviews with you and your family, as well as old school records.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms are often difficult to recognize, especially in adults. This is partly because the disorder appears differently in adults and is often incorrectly diagnosed. The symptoms of ADHD in adults can impact the school, work and personal relationships. If left untreated, ADHD can have a lasting impact on a person's quality of life. This quiz will help you determine if you suffer from symptoms of adult ADHD. It includes questions that focus on different aspects of your life such as work and family. This is not an exhaustive assessment. You should consult your doctor for a professional evaluation.
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty regulating their emotions, staying focused and prioritizing their tasks. They are also more impatient and impulsive than others. This can lead to anger, frustration and resentment. Many adults with ADHD have difficulty working due to poor time management. They also aren't able to stick to deadlines or corporate guidelines. In addition to managing their finances, those with ADHD often struggle due to their forgetfulness, impulsive spending and difficulties budgeting.
adult ADHD symptoms is common for people to lose items essential for daily activities, such as keys or wallets, papers eyeglasses, or other work supplies.
Individuals suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and stressed, because they are always behind on their chores and responsibilities. This can cause depression, anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder time sleeping and are difficult to relax. They are more likely to become depressed and anxious because of this. Many adults with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they are mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from anxiety or depression. The disorder is also less apparent in women and could be unnoticed. The best way to determine if you suffer from ADHD is to have a professional assessment by a mental health counselor or qualified health care provider. It is important to remember that physical and mental trauma, stress, and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. This is why it's crucial to undergo an extensive evaluation by a certified health care provider or a mental health counselor.
Diagnosis
While taking an ADHD test can help you determine the likelihood that your symptoms are related to the condition, only a health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults. This should be ideally by a psychiatrist who has completed an extensive examination of your symptoms. If you have a primary care doctor who is able to refer you to a specialist who can conduct an assessment or ask your local hospital, university-based medical school or graduate school of psychology for suggestions. You can also contact an adult support group or ask your insurance company for a list of specialists covered by your plan.
During the ADHD evaluation, your specialist will examine your specific symptoms and how these affect your functioning at work, in your family, and in social situations. He or she will also determine if your problems began as children. To be diagnosed with ADHD your difficulties must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Examples include not completing work assignments, ignoring or not making appointments regularly and causing excessive stress or conflict in a romantic relationship, or financial issues caused by impulsive purchases.
A thorough assessment will involve answering a self-reporting questionnaire of 40 items called the BAARS-IV, which examines your symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness in relation to other people of your age. A high score indicates your symptoms are more severe than the majority of others, and that you need to be assessed for ADHD. A score that is low indicates that your symptoms are not clinically significant and therefore you do not need to be further evaluated for ADHD.
Psychiatrists are trained to search for other disorders, like anxiety, depression or learning disorders, which might be causing your ADHD symptoms. Most of the time, these other disorders are co-occurring, and can affect the diagnosis and treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that although ADHD symptoms may be present in adulthood, they aren't "caused" by adulthood -they are developmentally based and the majority of people suffering from ADHD have been suffering from them since childhood. Therefore, when assessing an adult for ADHD, it is particularly important to consider whether the individual's difficulties have been present throughout their life.
Treatment
A professional evaluation can only be conducted by a mental health professional. During the assessment you'll probably be asked to describe your symptoms and how these impact your life at work, school and home. You may be asked if you've had any issues in childhood. It is believed that ADHD does not develop for the first time until adulthood, so it's important to remember any past difficulties.
During the examination the doctor will ask you to rate the frequency with which you experience symptoms of ADHD on a scale of "never" to "very often." You'll receive an adapted version of the ASRS (adult ADHD self-report scale) questionnaire which is usually used in research studies. There are several websites that allow you to fill out the ASRS questions online in an interactive format. This is a great option for those who aren't comfortable talking about these questions with their healthcare professional or don't have time to visit the therapist.
Your doctor will determine if you have at least five of the following signs to make a diagnosis of ADHD:
The first step in treating ADHD is to find a treatment that uses behavioral therapy. During this type of psychotherapy your therapist will instruct methods to manage your symptoms. Behavioral changes can improve your functioning at school, work and in relationships. Your therapist will also likely suggest a specific form of treatment for your unique situation. CBT can be beneficial to someone with ADHD and depression. CBT helps people change their negative thoughts into more positive and more positive ways of thinking. It can be used to treat a variety of emotional disorders such as anxiety or bipolar disorder. You and your therapist will also discuss the use of medication. Stimulants are among the most popular treatments for ADHD, but your doctor will also look into any other medications you're taking, since some could interact with stimulants. The positive side is that stimulants are extremely effective for the majority of people. They can significantly improve your ability to focus and remain organized to complete tasks.
Support
Many people suffering from ADHD are in need of additional support. They may struggle to fit into school or work and have difficulty forming close bonds and feel they are constantly under pressure to perform. The good news is that there are a lot of resources available to help deal with. These include support groups, specialized counseling and medications. People suffering from ADHD should also try to exercise regularly. Studies have proven that exercise can help increase focus and concentration. Idealy, people should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. It is crucial to exercise outdoors as it helps reduce hyperactivity symptoms.
In addition to having a supportive network, people with ADHD should also learn better coping strategies. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD doesn't mean one is a bad or stupid person. In fact, they often have great strengths that they aren't even aware of. It is rewarding to find these strengths and to manage their symptoms. People suffering from ADHD must also learn to avoid stimulants and alcohol. They should also make sure that they consume nutritious meals and get enough sleep. Also, they should be certain to share their issues with their spouses and other family members so that they can help each one another.
Screening tools are helpful for assessing whether someone might have ADHD. However, they should not be used as a substitute for medical examination or diagnostic evaluation. If you suspect that you may have ADHD You should consult with a mental health professional to discuss further testing or evaluations as well as possible treatment options.
Online communities for adults suffering from ADHD are a great source of information and support. These online communities are generally completely free and private, which makes them a convenient way to connect with others who can offer guidance. However be wary of the advice you receive from social media sites, since they are typically not vetted by mental health experts.
Some employers offer employee assistance programs that can provide counseling or other services for people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to join an ADHD parent's support group. These groups are a place to share the struggles and triumphs of parenting children with ADHD. They can also be a source to get help with school and workplace accommodations.