Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. It is possible to look over the work or school records of the past. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, putting at risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their jobs. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and often quit work before they are finished. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle like checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still in meetings. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial problems.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things that they were unable to 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 exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observing the person's behavior in various settings and getting information from significant others such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been evident from childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be conducted in addition to the psychiatric examination.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or request that they take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting hindering their work or relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking website as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues candidly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and issues.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated, an evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination It is recommended for the person to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information about their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate is an indication that the person should seek another service.