Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. The records from previous school or work may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
People with ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They can have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they have completed. They may have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial problems.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things that they weren't able to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout the course of. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their functioning at work, school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to test executive functions like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues in the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work, or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to website inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to difficulty controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know what other medications a patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the person's behavior and any issues.
The evaluator could also talk to individuals in the person's life who know them well like their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the issue that is being examined, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the person to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary care physician for a referral or to visit a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. Many insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as an indication that the person should seek another provider.