Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They are unable to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering particulars. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They can also get bored with tasks quickly and are likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel like they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their jobs. They might not control their time well and frequently leave work before they have finished. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for example when they check their watch or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. They will examine their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
When 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 could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid", or blamed for things that they were unable to control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from family members such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from the symptoms experienced by males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to warrant an assessment of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office a screening test to assess attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting out of control in their relationships or work or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also connected to ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This includes a clinical interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members read more or friends who know the person, such as spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked what they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. 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 could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as anxiety or depression.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.