Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and acquaintances.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They are unable to keep on top of their work and meeting deadlines. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medications they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They can have difficulty remembering instructions and details. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new tasks or problems.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently quit work before they are done. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to the concerns of others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and messy work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care doctor. The doctor will assess their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A qualified mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed adhd in adults or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had an impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the doctor must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be performed along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions like planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands increased. Other adults are diagnosed adhd 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 examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse and other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the workplace or at school, as well as in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. Patients with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult diagnosis for adhd suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This includes a clinical interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is important that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how to diagnose Adults with adhd the individual is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, like spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from adhd how to get diagnosed as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Depending on the issue that is being assessed an evaluation expert may choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience working with adults with ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be considered a red flag and the patient should seek out a different provider.