Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless 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 to coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and meeting deadlines. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they need. They are also more likely to react to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it, especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their friends and family. They have trouble with money management which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may not be able to control their time well and frequently leave work before they have finished. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for example constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could cause financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they weren't able to control. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in various environments and gathering information from relatives such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout one's the course of. The history of the person should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have had an impact on their functioning at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment and a thorough medical examination must be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention, distraction, short-term memory and concentration. more info They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults do not receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Others are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of working or in relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to find an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to manifest as inattentive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies show that genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as 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 fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic, but they do provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the individual struggles, such as academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. Often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the person to seek out one who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to share information about their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red flag and the patient should seek another provider.