Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, making them seem disinterested or uninterested. 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 look for new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They have trouble with money management and this can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their job. They may be unable control their time well and often leave work before they've completed. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely display obvious physical signs of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle like checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout one's the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a profound impact on the person's performance at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other aspects of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to evaluate the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life because they are noticing that their issues are getting in the way of relationships or work or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to find any family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the various options available to the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can ask about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different environments, including school, home, and at work. It is important that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not shy away from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis aren't diagnostic however they can provide important information about the person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also reach out to a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to share information about their education and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be considered an indication that the patient should find a different service.