Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They can have difficulty remembering instructions and particulars. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel like they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They struggle with money management, which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They might not control their time well and frequently leave work before they've finished. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than men, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information and staying focused and are less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been evident from childhood and have affected their functioning at work, in school, in relationships, and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD the doctor 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 is required.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
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 adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues at the workplace or at home. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the workplace or school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in problems controlling anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is important that the health care provider is aware of any other medications the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This includes a clinical interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior using standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare to those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's challenges.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies here of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment It is recommended for the client to find one who specializes in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or to call the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information about their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red flag, and the patient should seek another provider.