Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough assessment with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They have trouble 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 want to try new challenges or activities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with their family and friends. They struggle with managing money which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are done. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom display obvious physical signs of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will assess their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time and aren't able 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 could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from significant others such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout the course of one's 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 person's performance at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other aspects of his or her life.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses which 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, as well as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in difficulty managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know which other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various situations, including at home, school, or at work. It is important that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hide out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report here cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the client to find one who is specialized in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your primary doctor for a referral or contact a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information about their experience and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be considered a red flag and the patient should find a different service.