Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those suffering from ADHD can have 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 that they are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. 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 other's concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial problems.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've been living with the condition for a long time 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. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history A qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from relatives such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in males. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information and are less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships because of these differences.
A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout one's the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office a screening test to evaluate attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should click here tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also inquire about participating in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in a variety of environments, including home, school, and work. It is important that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hide out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated, an evaluator might decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the person to find one who is specialized in people with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or visit a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.