Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
People with ADHD have trouble staying on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing even when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not answer questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They can have difficulty remembering instructions and details. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their money and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can affect their job. They might not manage their time effectively and leave work frequently before they are finished. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to other's concerns.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still in meetings. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and unprofessional work performance can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from family members such as family members and friends. The physician should also take into account a medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These variations could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
The complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout the course of. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at school, work as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical examination is required along with the psychiatric examination.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs when they were 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, when they realize that their problems are interfering 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 in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work, or school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know what other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of pertinent documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like school, home and at work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, like a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked what they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with valuable information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the client to find one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek another provider.