Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and be easily bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing even when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear disinterested or uninterested. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and particulars. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly and are likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel that they can't keep up with friends and family. They have trouble with managing money and this can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they're completed. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example when they check their watch or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their inept and unorganized performance at work can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for events they were unable to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history, 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 relatives such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These differences can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disorders. A complete medical exam should be performed in addition to the psychiatric examination.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions like organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs when they were children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming 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 medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at home, at work or at school, as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can result in difficulty managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies have revealed that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They can also ask about participating in a clinical trial for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in various situations, including at home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly without hiding out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person based on standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's issues.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the read more person to seek out one who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek out a different provider.