Have you ever wondered if you have ADHD as an adult? Many people struggle with symptoms commonly associated with ADHD but never know for sure whether that is their problem. It may seem like getting psychological testing for ADHD in adults would be a difficult thing. So, should you take a chance to find out if you have ADHD? Here are some things to consider.
Do You Have Signs Of ADHD?
One reason you might take an ADHD adult test is if you have noticed things that may indicate you have it. However, if you do not know what the signs are, it is hard to know if there is even a possibility you might have the disorder. Start by running through this checklist of symptoms. If you have some of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to do an adult ADHD screening.
Short Attention Span
A short attention span is probably the most well-known symptom of ADHD. You start to watch a TV show, read a book, or have a conversation, but before it is over, you have lost interest. As an adult, this might be evident when you are trying to work. If so, you might find yourself continually shifting from one task to another. In addition, if it is not something you prefer to do or think about, it can be even more challenging to stick with it.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity simply means excessive activity. The most apparent form of hyperactivity is in constant physical motion. However, you might also be hyperactive by talking excessively or being highly emotional.
Impulsivity
Being impulsive cannot only end in poor choices, but it can also put your life at risk. Many adults with ADHD tend to do reckless things. Reckless driving is just one example. You may make impulsive purchases that you later regret. If you are impulsive, you act without considering the consequences.
Fidgeting Or Restlessness
People with ADHD tend to have trouble sitting still. You may feel restless during important meetings, dinner parties, or while waiting for an appointment with your doctor. As a result, you may fidget. For example, you might tap your fingers, shift in your chair, or kick your leg continually.
The Trouble With Organization Or Prioritizing
If you have ADHD as an adult, you may have a tough time organizing yourself. Work can seem like an overwhelming flood of chores when you cannot organize and prioritize your tasks. You may lose things often because you do not have them sorted and stashed away systematically.
Mood Problems
Many adults with ADHD have a lot of trouble regulating their emotions. Their moods may change rapidly from sad to happy to irritate. Because mood swings can be a symptom of other mental disorders, it is important to consider other ADHD symptoms, too.
Memory Issues
If your working memory seems to be very poor, it might be one indication that you have ADHD. When you have to remember something for a short time and then use it, you might quickly forget if you have ADHD. For example, if someone gives you a few simple instructions to do something on your computer at work, you may forget before you can get it done.
Executive Dysfunction
Among people with ADHD, even those with extremely high intelligence, executive dysfunction can be a problem. So, what is that? Executive dysfunction includes problems with goal-directed thinking, behavior, and emotions. It is about the way your brain works when you are trying to plan, manage time, or solve problems. If these things are particularly challenging for you, it might make sense to take an ADHD screening test for adults. Another symptom related to the way you are thinking works is that you might have trouble multitasking.
Inability To Control Frustration
Do you often get frustrated when you are trying to do something or talk about a topic that is important to you? Even if you do, you might not have ADHD. Everyone gets frustrated from time to time, and certain situations are more frustrating than others are. However, if you cannot control your frustration or anger, it could be a sign worth noticing.
Problems With Completing Tasks
People with ADHD tend to have a rough time finishing what they start. They may have all good intentions of seeing a project through to the end, but they are sidetracked or lose motivation along the way. You may also find that you spend a lot of time procrastinating. Maybe there is something you need to do, but you just cannot bring yourself to get started on it.
Easily Distracted
Being easily distracted is a common sign of ADHD. It involves frequent shifts in attention from one thing to another. You are thinking or talking about one thing for a moment, and then suddenly, something else captures your attention.
Trouble Waiting Your Turn
Waiting for your turn may be a constant frustration for you if you have ADHD. No one likes waiting in line at the DMV, but if you have ADHD, that wait can be excruciating. You may even leave, unable to make yourself stay until your number is called.
The Difference In Child And Adult ADHD Tests
If you do decide to take a screening test, it is critical that you choose ADHD testing for adults. The tests are different, so it is important to take the right one. The symptoms list applies to both adults and children with ADHD. However, adults tend to express these symptoms differently than children.
For example, a child may show hyperactivity by getting up from their seat in class and wandering around the classroom. As an adult, you might or might not get up and move around your office aimlessly. Alternatively, you might show hyperactivity by constantly talking during a business meeting.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking An Adult ADHD Test?
You may realize by now that an ADHD screening test may show you have symptoms of this disorder. Still, you may wonder if there is any benefit to taking it. What do you get out of it? Actually, it can help you in several ways.
Peace Of Mind
Perhaps you have been worried that you might have ADHD. Maybe someone has complained about your behavior or suggested that you might have a mental disorder like ADHD. However, taking an ADHD adult screening test might put your mind at ease. If there is no evidence behind your fears, you can lay them to rest.
Ruling Out ADHD
Suppose you know for sure that, you have some kind of problem but do not know what it is. If several symptoms show up often, you may wonder if it is really ADHD or some other issue. A screening test for adult ADHD can rule out that disorder. Then, you can move on to find out what is really behind your symptoms.
Recognize The Need For Additional Testing
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not as easy as taking a simple test. If your screening test shows you might have ADHD, though, it might help you. It might motivate you to seek help and get additional testing and evaluation. Complete psychological testing for ADHD in adults, along with a diagnostic interview, may be required to ensure you have the right diagnosis. The screening test is an excellent first step.
Getting Treatment
Perhaps the best benefit of all is that once you know you have ADHD, you can get treatment for it. You can start therapy to deal with your experiences related to ADHD and develop new ways of thinking. Your psychiatrist might prescribe medications that will reduce your symptoms. You may even want to join an ADHD group or go for skills training. In addition, with treatment, you can work towards building a better life.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Taking An ADHD Test For Adults?
Taking a test can seem a little intimidating, especially if you have suffered from ADHD for years. You may associate tests with bad grades or punishment. However, for an adult taking an ADHD test, there really are no drawbacks. Consider these facts about ADHD screening:
- It is free.
- It only takes a few minutes.
- The test is simple, with easy multiple-choice questions.
- You get the results immediately.
- You can do whatever you want with the results.
- No one will force you to seek treatment.
What To Do After You Take The Test
Once you take the test, what you do next is entirely up to you. You can take the report and bring it with you when you talk to a counselor. Alternatively, if it shows nothing and you are no longer worried, you can smile and forget about it. Suppose you still think you have another problem. In that case, you can take more screening tests or simply go to a doctor or therapist for a diagnosis. In addition, if you want to ignore the results, you can do that, too.
Conclusion
ADHD testing for adults starts with an easy screening test. There are many reasons you might take the test and many benefits you can receive as a result. Whatever you do, if you have a problem you think might be ADHD, do not hesitate to seek the help of some kind. Starting with a test may be the least intrusive and easiest way to go. If it shows you might have this disorder, you have enough information to move on to the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
