Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are not attentive and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics, which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new tasks or problems.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with family and friends. They may have trouble managing their money which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they're done. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not show obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for events they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from relatives, including family members and friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical history and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout the course of. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination is required.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to find a family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the workplace or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know what other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings like school, home and at work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back because of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, for example, spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including 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 with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue being evaluated, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the client to find one who is specialized in adults with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You may also inquire with a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists more info of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as an indication that the patient should find a different service.