Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children do not work in adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and acquaintances.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not answer questions, which makes them appear disinterested or uninterested. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They may also become bored with a task quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They have trouble with money management and this can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are completed. They might have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to the concerns of others.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for example, by repeatedly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in meetings. The lack of organization and poor work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see 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 if they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for events they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have had an impact on their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination should be performed along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
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 in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs when they were children, so they were misdiagnosed or managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting in the way of relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the click here workplace or at school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This is a formal interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. 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 considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional useful information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or contact a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.