Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can get bored easily by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it and 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 can also get bored quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might not control their time well and often leave work before they have finished. They may have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still during a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've been living with the condition for a long time and have been unable to gain control of 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 experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough examination and a thorough history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those in males. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on the person's performance at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A complete medical exam is required along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, like planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed or managed well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming in the way of work or relationships, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work, or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know which other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a study that studies new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different situations, including at home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back because of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing issues such as anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination It is recommended for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary care physician for a referral, or contact an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans have the list of providers check here arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red-flag and the person should find another source.