Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they require. They tend to 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 with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are not attentive and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They also become bored quickly and are likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They may have difficulty managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they're done. They may be unable to get 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 display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting down during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. They will review the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, 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. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education due to the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a thorough history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider a medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an impact on their performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to assess the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also request that they test executive functions like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, as well as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies show that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological here examination. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues candidly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the person to find one who specializes in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral or to visit the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be considered an indication that the patient should seek out a different provider.