ADHD Test For Adults

A proper diagnosis is important for receiving treatment that will help you succeed at home, work and school. Other conditions can also cause ADHD symptoms.

This is why, when you undergo an assessment where your doctor will ask questions and will use standardized rating scales. You might also be given a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD.

Signs and symptoms

A health care professional who knows a person well such as a sibling, spouse or parent for an adult; or a teacher, coach or nanny for a child can provide insight into symptoms that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. A thorough examination includes a physical exam to look for signs of illness such as sleep apnea or thyroid disorders that can cause ADHD symptoms. The school records of the past are a must, too to determine if the symptoms started in childhood.

A mental health professional may employ checklists or standard ADHD ratings scales for adults to identify signs. They'll inquire about recent behavior as well as social interactions at workplace, at home and in other social settings. They'll also look at the person's past and review school reports and other documents, such as assessments of therapists or social workers. If someone has a co-occurring disorder like depression or bipolar disorder, the health care provider will also look into this and rule out the possibility of it as the reason for the symptoms of ADHD.

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 interrupt others and do not wait their turn during conversations or games. They often aren't able to play or do leisurely activities in silence. People with primary inattention ADHD struggle with organizing or completing tasks, they are inattention and have trouble following directions.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a moral lapse or a result of weak willpower. It's an illness that affects the working memory of the brain and its ability to regulate behavior and emotions. The difficulties caused by ADHD can be addressed by therapy, medication and family support as well as stress-reduction techniques like regular exercise and deep breathing.

In the majority of cases, healthcare doctors determine ADHD based upon guidelines published 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 thorough diagnosis can help you receive the care you need. A correct diagnosis can also assist you in negotiating work-related accommodations to improve your performance and ease your life. It isn't possible to diagnose ADHD with the use of a brain scan or blood test. Instead you should seek out a mental health professional trained to determine the severity of your symptoms. You may find self-tests or symptoms checklists online, but they're not reliable and cannot replace an in-depth evaluation with a licensed health professional or psychologist.

When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD your doctor will consider your symptoms and how they affect various aspects of your life. They will be interested in knowing whether you've had these symptoms for a long period of time and how severe they are and if you suffer from co-occurring disorders which could be causing the problems 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. Adults must show less symptoms than children -- 5 out of 9 over the last six months. Your doctor will also ask you about your childhood and school experiences to determine if you have dealt with these issues for a long period of time.

Your provider will also interview family members and friends who know you well since a diagnosis of ADHD usually requires corroboration from multiple sources. Your healthcare providers will also examine your previous records and inquire about any other mental health issues you've had since they can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.

To determine your mental functioning, they may give you an array of psychological tests to assess your working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) as well as spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning (thinking) capabilities. In addition, your doctor will go over your medical history and conduct a physical examination.

Treatment

A clear diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to the treatment you need to live a better life. The symptoms of ADHD can impact your work, relationships, and school. Finding the right treatment is important.

There is no blood test or brain scan that can be used to diagnose ADHD however a licensed mental healthcare professional will assess your symptoms and medical history. They can use standardized behavioral rating scales, ADHD symptoms checklists, and other psychological assessments. They might also request to look over your school records and talk with parents, teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They will also examine your mood, other mental health issues and other factors that could affect your symptoms.

After reviewing your symptoms, your healthcare professional will determine if you have mild, moderate or severe ADHD. Mild means that you experience some symptoms but they don't affect your daily activities. Moderate means that your symptoms can cause disruptions to your social and professional interactions. Severe means your ADHD symptoms have a significant impact on your everyday functioning.

If testing for adult adhd determines that you have ADHD, they will create an individual treatment plan for you. Your treatment may include psychotherapy, for example cognitive behavioral therapy as well as family therapy. They may suggest lifestyle changes and modifications like using an alarm clock or a planner, making lists or making reminders on your phone and requesting assistance from family and friends. These strategies will help you to reach your goals and be successful particularly in school and work.

Research shows that adults with ADHD have higher levels of academic failure and job loss, and are more likely to be involved in car accidents. If left untreated, it can lead to other issues, like depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as other antisocial behaviors. There are coping strategies and treatments that can help reduce your symptoms and ease problems. This can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and changes to your routine and your environment. The medication for ADHD can be beneficial however they are only part of the overall treatment plan.

Support

ADHD in adults can pose a challenge. Untreated, it can cause negative effects on work, school and relationships. To overcome these issues, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. Once diagnosed by your doctor, they will provide the best treatment option to help you achieve success across all areas of your life.

tests for adhd in adults and men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than minorities however this doesn't mean that people in minority groups don't have the condition. Some people are better in hiding their symptoms, or they might have learned to cope with their symptoms over time, which could make it harder for a healthcare professional to detect the issue. Additionally research has proven that adults are more likely to seek treatment for ADHD when they also suffer from anxiety and depression.


If you suspect that you may have ADHD, the first step is to talk to your primary healthcare provider. They may be able refer you to a specialist who can conduct an assessment. You could also ask your doctor to recommend a specialist or search the internet for professionals who specialize in treating ADHD. If you have health insurance, it will include the doctors that are covered by the policy.

Your health professional will review the family history, collect the most complete medical history and conduct an interview. They'll want to know the length of time you've experienced your symptoms, and what impact they have had on your work, school and relationships. They will also check for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression that may be a precursor to ADHD.

Your care team will develop strategies to manage ADHD symptoms once you've been diagnosed. You can make use of alarms or daily planners for keeping on top of your obligations. You can also work with a coach or find a mentor with the same issue. Having open conversations with your family members, friends and colleagues about ADHD can be helpful as well. So, they'll be more understanding if you need to miss meetings or turn in assignments late.