Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of others.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their money which could 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 might not manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they've completed. They might have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to other's concerns.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still in meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy performance could cause financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. They will examine their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A trained mental health doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those of males. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with managing their work and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had 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 a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis 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, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam must be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them take tests to assess executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life because they are noticing that their issues are getting hindering their work or relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also check for head injury, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work, or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies show that genetics of a person play a role in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know the other medications a patient is taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of situations, including at home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, like spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where an individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. ADHD Diagnosis won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment It is recommended for the person to find one who specializes in adults suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or visit the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate is a red flag, and the person should seek another service.