Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
A thorough assessment with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD often has issues with school and work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They have trouble managing their money and this can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are finished. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD do not display obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could lead to financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. They will review the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from family members such as family members and friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Since how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults of ADHD are different for women than men, many women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have affected their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in various other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD The doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination must be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office an assessment test to determine attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions like planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their relationships or work or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to look for an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to manifest as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies show that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know what other medications a patient is taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Patients with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away because of fear or embarrassment. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic however they can provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.