Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of others.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. getting a adhd diagnosis can easily "zone out" or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not answer questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel that they're not keeping up with family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their money which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might not manage their time effectively and leave work frequently before they are completed. They may have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not display obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like when they check their watch or having trouble sitting still in meetings. The lack of organization and poor work performance can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. They will review the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for years and haven't been able to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is crucial for the health professional to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Anyone 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 research study to test new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are experiencing.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who know them well like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to determine the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination It is recommended for the person to choose a psychologist who specializes in people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another excellent idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red-flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.