Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough assessment by a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and get bored easily by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to seek out new activities or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel they're not keeping up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their finances, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They might not manage their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom display obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout the course of. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since adhd diagnosis for adults childhood and that they have had an impact on their performance at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Certain 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 review the person's medical history to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standard ratings scales that are that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the performance of a person.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another source.