Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They may struggle with managing their money which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently quit work before they are completed. They may have a hard to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example when they check their watch, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial difficulties.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. He or she will evaluate the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and have been unable to gain control of their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things they weren't able to control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history, a qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from the symptoms experienced by men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. These differences could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a profound impact on their performance at school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be performed along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. diagnosing adhd in adults may also ask them to test executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse and other physical ailments that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or at school, as well as in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to manifest as inattention rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have revealed that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different environments, including school, home, and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses these issues candidly without hiding out of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research on how the behaviors of those with ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with valuable information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the person to find one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. It is recommended to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral or contact the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A refusal to participate is an indication that the person should seek another service.