Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless in adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to look over the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They can have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining particulars. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They can also get bored with a task quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom show obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down during meetings. The lack of organization and poor performance could lead to financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. He or she will evaluate the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for events they were unable to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships because of these differences.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the person's performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination is required.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask them to test executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not get a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional might also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is important 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 help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research on how the behaviors of those with ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Based on get diagnosed adhd adhddiagnosis that is being examined the evaluator may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.