Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of others.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering particulars. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They can also get bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with their family and friends. They are troubled with money management which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may be unable manage their time well and leave work frequently before they are completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to others.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical history and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those in men. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout one's life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed or managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek help to manage their difficulties in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to look for any family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. A health specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as well in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can result in difficulties managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, driving in traffic or making quick decisions or being impatient.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know which other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. 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 may also inquire about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like school, home and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss the issues openly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic however they can provide valuable information about a person's challenges.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to identify areas where the person struggles, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
adult adhd diagnoses is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another excellent idea. You can also reach out to a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the person should look for another provider.