Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are useless in adults.
A thorough evaluation with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often 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 acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues with school and work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may become bored easily with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their finances and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they're done. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to other's concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not display obvious physical indications of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy performance could lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult an primary care physician. They will review their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they've suffered from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to navigating the work world and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's history will reveal that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their functioning at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult of a patient aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical exam is required in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting in the way of working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or at school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the options for medication available. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also ask about participating in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different environments, including home, school, and work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss these issues honestly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the issue that is being assessed the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral or to visit a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to share information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another provider.