Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They might not manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they have completed. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still in a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can lead to financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in navigating the work world and their relationships due to these differences.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the person's performance in school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of their life.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A complete medical exam should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing 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 quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the options for medication available. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss these issues honestly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the patient is performing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare more info to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Depending on the issue that is being assessed an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is a red flag, and the patient should seek out a different service.