Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment by psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to review the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD have trouble staying 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 are often inattentive and do not answer questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new tasks or challenges.
diagnosing adhd suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their finances and this can lead to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time well and leave work frequently before they have completed. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Contrary to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down in the course of a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things they couldn't control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their careers or education due to the signs.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in various environments and gathering information from family members such as family members and friends. The doctor must also consider a medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from the symptoms experienced by men. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout the course of. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an enormous impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical exam should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention, distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems at work or at home. 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 anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies show that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can ask about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the patient is doing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator may also interview individuals in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the performance of a person.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed an evaluation expert may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the person to choose a psychologist who specializes in people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another excellent idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red flag, and the person should look for an alternative provider.