Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.
diagnosing adhd with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They are troubled with managing money and this can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're finished. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to others.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely show obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid", or blamed for events they weren't able to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from relatives, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and have affected their functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in various other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD The doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical examination is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, a medical professional may offer the person a screening test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also ask about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in various situations, including at home, school, or at work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who know them well like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide important information about the person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual struggles, such as academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. Often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact an individual's functioning.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as an indication that the patient should seek out a different provider.