Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify 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 typically required. The records from previous school or work may be reviewed as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems in school and at work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They may also become bored with a task quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their friends and family. They may have trouble managing their money and this can lead to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may not be able to manage their time effectively and leave work frequently before they have completed. They may have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like when they check their watches or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care provider. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things they couldn't control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from the symptoms experienced by males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a profound impact on their performance at school, at work as well as in relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical exam should be conducted along with the psychiatric examination.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office an assessment test to determine attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions like planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting in the way of working or in relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth and exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the options for medication available. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can ask about participating in a study that website studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different environments, including home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hold back from fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator could also talk to individuals in the person's life who know them well like their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being assessed an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator important information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination It is recommended for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your primary doctor for a referral, or visit the local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another source.