Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. diagnosis for adhd have lost things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those suffering from ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and get bored easily by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They have trouble managing their money and this can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might not manage their time well and often leave work before they have finished. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom display obvious physical signs of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that may interact 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 manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid", or blamed for things that they couldn't control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A qualified mental health care doctor or professional 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 environments and gathering information from relatives, including family members and friends. The practitioner must also consider a medical and family history of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information and staying focused and are less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and their relationships because of these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as 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. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to assess attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming in the way of relationships or work or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to find a family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at the home, at work or school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know the other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the medication options available. Patients with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical trial of new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other or 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 with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic however they can provide important information about the person's issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary care physician for a referral, or visit an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the person should find another provider.