Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They have trouble with money management which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are finished. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. The lack of organization and poor work habits can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education due to the symptoms.
A trained mental health doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider the medical history and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
The complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have had an impact on their functioning at work, school in relationships, and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination must be conducted.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office an assessment test to determine attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions like planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to find any family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know what other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various environments, including home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hide because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who know them well like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standard ratings scales that are that are based on research and compare the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's issues.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue that is being assessed, an evaluator might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner to determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when seeking the get more info help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask your primary doctor for a referral, or visit an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as a red flag and the person should seek another service.