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.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. The records from previous school or work may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it even when others are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They may also become bored quickly and want to try new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their money 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 also not be able to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they're done. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still in meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history A qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider the medical history and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. adhd diagnosis for adults can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout one's life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD The doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. 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 taking part in a study that studies new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get the complete picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to identify areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek out a different provider.