Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They frequently 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 focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can be easily bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing even when others are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They also become bored quickly and are likely to look for new activities or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are finished. They may have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to the concerns of others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see an primary care physician. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "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.
A licensed mental health care professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from family members such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account the medical history and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These differences can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have affected their functioning at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions, such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Others are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting hindering their work or relationships or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics 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. These include low birthweight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is crucial for the health professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like home, school and work. It is important that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not hold back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they do provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.
Depending on the website condition being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological assessment It is recommended for the person to find one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral or to contact an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should look for another provider.