Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and meeting deadlines. They often lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with family and friends. They struggle managing their money which can result in an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are done. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to others.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting down during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial troubles.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history A qualified mental health professional or doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from those in males. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout the course of. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, school as well as in relationships and in various other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional may 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 Histories
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues at the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person is affected 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. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. People with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various environments, including home, school, or at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an read more individual.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator important information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the client to find one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be considered a red flag, and the patient should find a different service.