Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly and are likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel they aren't keeping up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them 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 might not control their time well and leave work frequently before they have completed. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely show obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult an primary care physician. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observing the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from family members such as family members and friends. The physician must also consider a medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information and staying focused as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is crucial to collect an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had an impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical examination should be conducted along with a psychiatric evaluation.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions like planning, organizing and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work. Or they seek help to manage their difficulties in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the workplace or at school, as well in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have revealed that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person read more to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. In most cases they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine if there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults with ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another excellent idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the person should find another source.