Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They struggle to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they need. They often react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of others.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel like they're not keeping up with family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their job. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they are done. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not show obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watches or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. The lack of organization and poor work habits can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care doctor. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for events they were unable to control. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details and are less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an enormous impact on their performance at school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a screening test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, request that they take tests to assess executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems 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 review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is any family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is important that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the various options available to the patient. A person with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, more info a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in various environments, including home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away out of fear or embarrassment. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another excellent idea. You can also reach out to a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to provide information about their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag and the person should look for another source.