Content

• Steps

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a disorder of the brain in which some brain areas are smaller than normal. These brain regions control rest, attention, and memory. You may still have attention deficit hyperactivity, but just starting to realize you have symptoms. Restlessness, lack of concentration and hyperactivity can make it difficult for you at work or in relationships. Determine if you have ADHD in an adult by noticing your symptoms and observing your responses to everyday life.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Observe the main symptoms of ADHD

1. 

   Determine if you have inattentive symptoms of ADHD. There are three manifestations of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five symptoms in more than one setting and at least six months. Symptoms may not be appropriate for a person's level of development and are considered to be disruptive to normal functioning at work or in social or school settings. Symptoms of ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
   • Making mistakes, not paying attention to details
   • Difficulty in concentrating (quests, games)
   • Doesn't seem paying attention when listening to other people talk
   • Not finished to the end (duties, work)
   • Difficulty in organizing
   • Avoid tasks that require concentration (like on work projects)
   • Cannot track or often lose keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
   • Easily distracted
   • Forgetful

2. 

   
   
   Determine if you have symptoms of hyperactivity - impulsivity of ADHD. Some symptoms may be in the "disruptive" level of diagnosis. Check if you have at least five symptoms in more than one setting, lasting at least 6 months:
   • Fidgety, fidgeting, hands or feet beat
   • Uneasy feeling
   • Struggles to play static games / activities
   • "Aggressive" as if "have a motor control"
   • Talking too much
   • Blurted out even before being asked
   • Struggling to wait for your turn
   • Interrupt others, interfere with other people's discussions / games

3. 

   
   
   Determine if you are experiencing associated ADHD. The third manifestation of ADHD is when the subject meets the criteria of both inattention and hyperactivity / impulsiveness. If you have at least five symptoms of both, you may have a combination of ADHD.

4. 

   Thanks to a diagnosis by a mental health professional. Once you've determined your ADHD level, seek guidance from a mental health professional for a formal diagnosis. The mental health professional will also determine if your symptoms can be better explained by another mental disorder or attributed to another form of psychiatric disorder.

5. 

   
   
   Think about other diagnoses you might get. Consult your doctor or mental health professional for other disorders or conditions with symptoms similar to ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD has been difficult, with more than one in five people diagnosed with ADHD diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common comorbidities).
   • One third of children with ADHD also exhibit a behavioral disorder (behavior disorder, opposing challenge disorder).
   • ADHD is also often accompanied by learning disabilities and anxiety.
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Method 2 of 6: Track your responses to everyday life

1. 

   Keep track of your activities and responses for two weeks. If you suspect that you have ADHD, pay attention to your emotions and reactions for two weeks. Record your actions and how you react and feel. Pay special attention to impulsive behaviors and feelings of hyperactivity.
   • Control of impulses: ADHD can manifest itself in the difficulty of controlling impulses. You may act without thinking, or become impatient and feel miserable about having to wait your turn. You may find yourself dominating most conversations or activities, answering and speaking before others stop, or saying things that you often regret later.
   • Hyperactivity: When you have ADHD, you may feel restless, constantly needy to move, fidget, and talk too much. Maybe you often hear people say you're too loud. You sleep much less than most people or have trouble falling asleep. You also have difficulty holding still or sitting for a long time.

2. 

   Observe how you react to your environment. Some people with ADHD are engulfed in too much detail from morning to night, but at the end of the day they cannot remember important details or events. Some situations that can overwhelm people with ADHD include: a crowded place with music and many conversations at the same time, a blend of scents, from room sprays, fresh flowers, and scents. food to perfumes, and perhaps lighting effects such as television screens or computer displays.
   • This kind of environment can make people with ADHD nearly unable to engage in a simple conversation, let alone being sharp at work or socially graceful.
   • You can decline invitations to such events because of the way they make you feel. Social separation can easily lead to depression.
   • People with ADHD are often anxious about unfamiliar situations. These feelings can lead to social isolation.

3. 

   Keep track of your physical and mental health. Symptoms of ADHD can aggravate a number of health problems like anxiety, depression, and others. A forgetfulness can cause you to miss your doctor's appointments, forget to take your medications, or overlook your doctor's instructions.
   • Examine your self-esteem. One of the biggest problems faced by people with ADHD is low self-esteem. A lack of confidence can arise from others outperforming you at school or at work.
   • Observe alcohol and substance use habits. People with ADHD are more likely to fall into substance abuse and have a harder time quitting. It is estimated that "half of people with ADHD self-medicate with drugs and alcohol." Do you have problems with drugs and alcohol?

4. 

   Check bank statements. You may have financial trouble if you have ADHD. Consider whether you often pay your bills on time, or have overdue withdrawals in your account. Check your account transactions to determine your spending habits. advertisement

Method 3 of 6: Consider relationships

1. 

   Remember school experiences. You may not be successful at school if you have ADHD. Many people with ADHD find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time, forget to bring books, find it difficult to complete tasks on time, or keep quiet in class.
   • Some people can make dramatic changes at the high school level, when students are no longer studying with just one teacher. There is also an increase in student responsibility for academic success. Many people with ADHD may begin noticing symptoms around this time.

2. 

   Watch your performance at work. Adults with ADHD may perform poorly at work due to problems with time management, handling project details, being late at work, not concentrating in meetings, or not completing work. on time. You can recall the supervisor's recent comments. Have you ever passed the challenge of a promotion or salary increase?
   • Recount how many jobs you've been through. Some adults with ADHD have an unstable career profile, having been fired from jobs for poor performance. Because of impulsivity, people with ADHD can also change jobs with inspiration. Review your career profile to identify uncertainties. What was your reason for changing jobs?
   • Observe your workplace. Your work area can be disorganized and cluttered.
   • Some adults with ADHD perform very well at work, especially due to their tendency to focus highly on work.

3. 

   Think about your relationship. People with ADHD often have difficulty in having relationships when their partners complain that they are "irresponsible", "unreliable" or "insensitive." While there can be many other causes of emotional success or failure, one contributing cause could be the symptoms of ADHD.
   • You may have had a hard time with a relationship but don't have ADHD.
   • Consult a relationship specialist (such as a marriage psychologist or marriage counselor) for advice and insight before using your past love story as proof of ADHD.

4. 

   Think about how often you get scolded by other people. If you have ADHD, you can get a lot of complaints because it is often difficult to stay focused on a task and easily distracted. Your partner may have to repeat dishes over and over again, for example.
   • You can be blamed often, but you don't have ADHD.
   • Try adjusting your behavior before seriously considering if you have ADHD.
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Method 4 of 6: Get expert diagnosis

1. 

   Make an appointment with a mental health professional. See a licensed mental health professional or ADHD doctor for diagnosis. They will talk to you to get a detailed idea of ​​your past and present experiences and problems.
   • Access to a psychologist may vary depending on where you live. For example, in some countries with a national health care system, you can get mental health care if you wait a few weeks. In the US, some health insurance companies cover a short course of behavioral therapy, but most require you to pay for your mental health care yourself. In some other countries, you have to pay out of pocket to pay the full cost.
   • Some of the experts in this field are psychotherapists, therapists (psychiatrists, neurologists, family doctors or other doctors) and staff. society.

2. 

   Collect health records. Take your medical records with you when you visit your doctor, as they may show some signs similar to those of ADHD.
   • A pre-visit to a mental health professional is also helpful.
   • It is also a good idea to talk to a parent or family member about a family health history. ADHD can be inherited, so information about your family's health problems can help your doctor when making a diagnosis.
   • If you are on medication, bring your medication form and prescription. This will help your doctor know about your lifestyle, medical history and current health care needs.

3. 

   Try to bring your work resume with you. Many people with ADHD have problems at work, including managing time, concentrating, and managing projects. These difficulties are often reflected in the performance comments of the job as well as the amount of work that you have ever done.
   • If possible, take these records with you when you visit your doctor.
   • If you can't bring it with you, try to remember where and for how long.

4. 

   Consider collecting school records. ADHD may have affected you for many years. Maybe you often get poor grades or get in trouble at school. If you can find your transcripts or transcripts while you are in school, you should bring them with you to your doctor. Find school transcripts as far as possible, even from elementary school.

5. 

   Consider bringing loved ones along. It may help a therapist to talk to someone else about your ADHD. It can be difficult to tell if you are constantly restless or have trouble concentrating.
   • Only go with trusted people. Ask if they would like to go with you before expecting them to.
   • Only go with a loved one if you think it helps. If you think you would feel more comfortable talking to a therapist privately, then don't bring anyone with you!

6. 

   Ask about eye movement test. Recent studies have shown a direct link between ADHD and the inability to stop eye movement. This type of test is still in the experimental phase, but has proven highly accurate in diagnosing cases of ADHD. Ask your doctor about your case regarding this test. advertisement

Method 5 of 6: Get help

1. 

   See a mental health therapist. Psychotherapy is often beneficial for adults with ADHD. This treatment helps the person to accept themselves and at the same time helps them find improvement in their situation.
   • Cognitive-behavioral therapy used to treat ADHD has been shown to be effective in many patients. This therapy addresses some of the major problems caused by ADHD, such as time management and organizational difficulty.
   • If the person with ADHD is reluctant to seek professional help, you can interpret it as developmental skills. As well as participating in extracurricular learning, religious school, or school, the goal here is to learn special skills, techniques, and ideas.
   • You can also suggest family members see a therapist. Therapy can be a safe way for family members to relieve stress healthily and handle problems with expert guidance.
   • If a family member is afraid to seek professional help, interpret it as if they were helping you. For example, you can say. "Mommy, I want you to see my therapist because it will help me better understand my family's needs." This can really help the therapist give you the relevant remedies to get through the situations.

2. 

   Join a support group. There are many organizations that provide personal support, as well as many membership systems that can gather online or meet to share problems and solutions. You can find online support groups in your area.
   • Support groups are a great place to meet especially for people who do not think they need help, or who have successfully treated ADHD. They will act as a guide and teach what they already know, while continuing to learn from others.
   • Your favorite support group is probably one for people with ADHD, or for different people with different interests. Consider joining a hobby group or club that is related to things you are passionate about or interested in. Examples include dance club, book club, women's union, gym class, animal protection group, or soccer team.

3. 

   Find resources online. There are many online resources that provide information, support, and support to people with ADHD and their families. Here are some sources:
   • The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) provides information through their website, through online events, and newsletters. It also offers e-support, one-on-one on-line support, and seminars for adult ADHD patients.
   • Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) was founded in 1987 and now has more than 12,000 members. This organization provides information, training and support to people with ADHD and those interested in them.
   • ADDitude Magazine is a free online resource that provides information, strategies and support for adults with ADHD, children with ADHD and parents of people with ADHD.
   • ADHD & You provides resources for adults with ADHD, parents of children with ADHD, teachers and caregivers serving people with ADHD. Includes online video for teachers and instructions for school staff to work with ADHD students more effectively.

4. 

   Talk to family and friends. You may find it helpful to talk to family and close friends about your concerns about having ADHD. They are people you can rely on when you feel depressed, anxious or otherwise negatively affected. advertisement

Method 6 of 6: Learn about ADHD

1. 

   Learn about the brain structure of people with ADHD. Understanding how ADHD works in the body will help you learn how to live or choose activities. Knowing the scientific nature behind this disorder can help a person analyze and explain their behavior.
   • Scientific analyzes show that the brain of people with ADHD differs slightly in two structures. These two tend to be smaller than usual.
   • The first structure, the basal ganglia, controls the movement of the muscles, and signals which muscles should work, which muscles should rest while the activities are going on. For example, if a child is sitting in a single place in class, the basal ganglia should send a signal telling the leg to rest. But in this case, because there is no signal, the child's legs continue to move while the child is sitting.
   • The second structure in the brain of a person with smaller ADHD than normal is the prefrontal cortex, the center in charge of the higher-order tasks. This is where memory, learning, and concentration come together, helping us to function intellectually.

2. 

   Learn about how dopamine and serotonin affect people with ADHD. The smaller-than-normal prefrontal cortex with lower-than-optimal dopamine and serotonin also means that the brain has to work harder to focus and quell the irrelevant stimuli that flood the brain at the same time.
   • The prefrontal cortex acts on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is associated with the ability to focus, and generally people with ADHD have low dopamine levels.
   • Serotonin, another neurotransmitter found in the prefrontal cortex, affects mood, sleep, and appetite. For example, eating chocolate will cause a spike in serotonin, resulting in a temporary feeling of joy; and lower serotonin levels lead to depression and anxiety.

3. 

   Learn about the underlying causes of ADHD. The cause of ADHD is uncertain, but it is widely accepted that genetics plays an important role, with certain abnormalities in DNA occurring more often in people with ADHD. Additionally, studies show a correlation between children with ADHD with alcohol and tobacco before birth, as well as lead exposure in the early years of life.

4. 

   Update new studies. Neurology and behavioral science continue to discover new facts about the brain every year. Consider subscribing to newspapers and periodicals that feature reports of brain development, teenagers with psychological differences, or studies of the brain. Try to find peer-reviewed articles.
   • If you cannot afford an evaluation journal, you can try to find free or public resources. Other magazines include National Geographic, the government website and nih.gov. Most portals now have a "Health and Fitness" category that may also post reports on brain research.
   • If you don't know where to find up-to-date information, you can ask a library librarian, your high school teacher, or a professor at your university. Alternatively, if you have a smartphone, try looking for the remote physician system app, the ADHD info app, or the medical courseware app.
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