Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They often react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They may struggle with managing their money, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently quit work before they are completed. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things they weren't able 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 thorough history A qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical history and family history of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout the course of. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had an enormous impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of his or her life.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant an assessment of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A complete medical exam should be conducted along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to evaluate the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms check here during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands became greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting hindering their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the medication options available. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a research study to test 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 thorough review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various environments, including home, school, and work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.
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 evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or to call an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as an indication that the patient should find a different provider.