Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it even when others are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble remembering instructions and specifics. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel like they can't keep up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they've finished. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD rarely show obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial problems.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for events they weren't able to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and have affected their functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A complete medical exam should be performed along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a screening test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. They may also request that they take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming hindering their working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. This includes low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco 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 for the health professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the client to find one who specializes in adults suffering from ADHD. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another excellent idea. school performance can also reach out to a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.