Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and be easily bored by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they're not keeping up with friends and family. They struggle managing their money and this can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're completed. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to the concerns of others.
Contrary to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not show obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things that they were unable to control. The symptoms may have caused them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A licensed mental health care professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different settings and getting information from significant others, including family members and friends. The physician should also take into account the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout one's 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 as well as in relationships in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. A complete medical exam should be conducted in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or request that they perform tests to measure executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting hindering their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can result in difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have revealed that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. adhd diagnostic of non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know which other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide because of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the patient is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the individual struggles, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the person's primary doctor for a referral or to visit a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. A majority of insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as an indication that the person should seek another provider.