Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel they can't keep up with family and friends. They may have trouble managing their money and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can impact their job. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they are done. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've been living with the condition for years and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the signs.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those of men. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
The complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout life. The history of the person should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant an assessment of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, a complete medical examination is required.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or request that they test executive functions like organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to find a family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. more info A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator may also interview individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue being evaluated, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek another provider.