Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive and risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, making them seem disinterested or uninterested. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel like they're not keeping up with family and friends. They may have trouble managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may be unable manage their time well and often leave work before they have completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely display obvious physical indicators of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their inept and unorganized performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things that they weren't able to control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After adults diagnosed with adhd and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observing the person's behavior in various environments and gathering information from family members, including family members and friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms such as trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on the person's performance in school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination should be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed or managed well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting hindering their working or in relationships or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work, or at school, and in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know what other medications a patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hold back because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, for example, spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination It is recommended for the person to choose a psychologist who is specialized in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral or call an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to share information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be considered a red flag and the patient should seek out a different provider.