ADHD Test For Adults
It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis in order to get the treatment you require to perform better at school, at work and at home. However, other conditions can be similar to ADHD symptoms.
When you go to your doctor for an evaluation, he will ask you questions and employ standardized ratings scales. You might also be given a physical exam to rule out medical issues which could mimic ADHD.
Symptoms
A health care provider that knows the person well - a spouse, a sibling or a parent for an adult or a teacher, coach or nanny who works with children - can offer insight into symptoms that cannot be obtained through questionnaires. A thorough examination includes a physical exam to determine if there are any conditions like sleep apnea and thyroid disorders that can trigger ADHD symptoms. The school records of the past are a must, too, to see if symptoms began in childhood.
A mental health professional may employ checklists or standard ADHD ratings scales for adults to identify symptoms. They'll ask about recent behavior and performance, as well as social interactions at workplace, at home and in other social settings. They'll also look over the person's previous and school records, which may include assessments by therapists or social workers. The health care professional will also examine any co-occurring conditions like depression or bipolar disorder and determine if they are the reason for the ADHD-like symptoms.
Symptoms vary by person, but in general the people with primarily hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are "on the go" and have little impulse control. They squirm, fidget and are impatient. They disrupt others and do not wait their turn in games or conversations. They often aren't able to play or do leisurely activities in silence. People who are primarily inattentive ADHD struggle to manage or complete tasks, are having trouble following instructions and are in a state of forgetfulness.
Link Website to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a moral lapse or the result of poor willpower. It's a condition that affects the working memory of the brain and its ability to regulate behavior and emotions. The symptoms of ADHD can be managed with medication, therapy, family support, and methods to reduce stress, such as regular exercise or deep breathing.
In the majority of cases, healthcare doctors diagnose ADHD on the basis of guidelines issued by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They'll look for at least six established symptoms in one of the two main categories -- inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity -- over a six-month period. They'll also examine a person's family history and medical history.
Diagnosis
A proper diagnosis will help you receive the care you need. It could also open the door to negotiating workplace accommodations that will improve your performance and make your life easier. It isn't possible to identify ADHD by the use of a brain scan or blood test. Instead you should seek out a mental health professional who is trained to assess your symptoms. You may find self-tests or symptoms checklists online, but they aren't reliable and cannot replace an in-depth evaluation with a licensed health professional or psychologist.
When evaluating adults with ADHD the doctor will consider your symptoms and the way they affect different aspects of your daily life. They'll be looking to determine whether you've had these symptoms for a long period of time and how severe they are and if you have co-occurring disorders that may be contributing to the difficulties you're experiencing.
To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, your adult must meet a certain number of criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. In adults, this requires an equivalence of symptoms lower than in children--5 out of 9 during the past 6 months. Your doctor will also ask you about your childhood and school experiences to make sure that you have been dealing with these problems for a long time.
Your doctor will also inquire about family members and close friends to confirm the diagnosis, since ADHD is typically identified by multiple sources. Your healthcare providers will also go through your past records, and ask you about any mental health issues you might have experienced. These issues can often resemble the ADHD symptoms.
They might conduct a series of psychological tests to assess your mental performance. These tests will test your working memory as well as your executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) as well as spatial and visual skills (related to the space) and reasoning abilities (thinking). Your physician will also review your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you receive the treatment you need to improve the quality of your life. The symptoms of ADHD can have a negative impact on your relationships, work, and even your school. Finding the right treatment is crucial.
There is no brain scan or blood test that can diagnose ADHD or other disorders, however a licensed mental healthcare professional will evaluate your symptoms and medical history. They may use standardized behavioral rating scales, ADHD symptoms checklists, and other psychological tests. They may also request your old school records or talk to teachers, parents, or other people you had contact with as a child. They'll also examine your mood, mental health conditions as well as other factors that might affect your symptoms, such as alcohol or stress.
After reviewing your symptoms, your health professional will determine if the patient has mild, moderate or severe ADHD. Mild means you're experiencing certain symptoms, but they don't interfere with your everyday activities. Moderate means that your symptoms cause some disruptions in your social and work interactions. Severe means that your ADHD symptoms have a significant impact on your everyday functioning.
If your doctor determines that you have ADHD, they will create an individual treatment plan for you. The treatment could include psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy. They may suggest lifestyle changes and adjustments, like using alarms or a planner, keeping lists or keeping reminders on your phone, and seeking assistance from your family and friends. These strategies can help you meet your goals and succeed particularly at school and at work.
Research shows that adults with ADHD have higher levels of academic failure and job loss and are more likely to get in accidents with cars. If not treated, it can lead to other issues, including depression, anxiety and drug abuse, as well as behavior that is antisocial. The good news is that there are strategies and treatments that can ease your symptoms and reduce these problems. This includes medication, psychotherapy and modifications to your environment and routines. The use of medication for ADHD can also be beneficial, but they're only part of the treatment plan.
Support
Having ADHD as an adult can be challenging. Untreated, it can cause negative effects on school, work, and relationships. To overcome these challenges, the first step is getting diagnosed by a trained medical professional. Once diagnosed by your doctor, they will suggest the best treatment for you to achieve the best results in all areas of your life.
Women and men are both more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than minorities, but that does not mean that those in minority groups don't have the condition. Certain people are better at hiding their symptoms, or they might have developed a way to cope with their symptoms over time, which could make it harder for a healthcare professional to detect the issue. Research has also revealed that those who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders that co-occur are more likely than others to seek treatment for ADHD.
Contacting your primary healthcare provider is the first thing you need to do if you think you may have ADHD. They might be able to refer you to a specialist who will perform an assessment. You may also seek an appointment with your doctor or search online for specialists who specialize in treating ADHD. If you have health insurance, it will include the doctors covered by your policy.
Your health professional will review the family history, collect the most complete medical history and conduct an interview. They'll be looking to determine whether you've had symptoms for a long period of time and how they affect your school, work, and relationships. They'll also look for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression which can be similar to ADHD.
Once you have a diagnosis the care team will help you come up with strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms. You can make use of alarms or daily planners for keeping on top of your obligations. You can also engage an expert coach or mentor who has the same condition. It is also helpful to discuss openly with your family members and colleagues about ADHD. That way they'll be more understanding when you're required to miss meetings or turn in projects late.