Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are useless in adults.
A thorough assessment with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of others.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new opportunities or tasks.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel like they're not keeping up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their money and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently quit work before they are done. They may have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to the concerns of others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting down during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough examination and a thorough history A qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account a medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout one's life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a an impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination must be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office an assessment test to determine attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Many adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting out of control in their relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the patient is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare to those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the individual struggles, such as academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. Often, adults diagnosed with adhd are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being examined, an evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the person to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should look for another provider.