Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. The records from previous school or work may be reviewed as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They may also become bored quickly and look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their finances and this can lead to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They might not manage their time effectively and leave work frequently before they've completed. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to others' concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not display obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still in a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. The symptoms may have caused them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education.
A qualified mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical history and family history of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. adhd adult diagnosis who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. A complete medical exam is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also request that they test executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they are noticing that their issues are getting out of control in their relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to find any family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause problems controlling anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Research has shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also connected to ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the various options available to the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about taking part in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a clinical interview and review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a full picture of how the patient is doing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, such as spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research on how the behaviors of people with ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated, an evaluator might decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another excellent idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red flag, and the person should look for another provider.