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 by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to look over the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of their work and completing deadlines. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and particulars. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new opportunities or tasks.
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 finances and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They might not manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they have completed. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. The lack of organization and poor work performance can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the condition for a long time and have been unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
adhddiagnosis licensed mental health care professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's history will reveal that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have affected their functioning at work, school as well as in relationships and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention and distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, they were misdiagnosed or managed well until they reached 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 review the medical history of the patient to find any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, and can result in being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth and exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know the other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments 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 evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who know them well like their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. In most cases these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the performance of a person.
Based on the issue that is being assessed an evaluation expert may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be considered a red flag and the patient should seek out a different provider.