Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They may have trouble remembering instructions and details. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They also become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They may have trouble managing their money, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently quit work before they are completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler like checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still in meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could lead to financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. They will examine their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for events they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various environments and gathering information from family members such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
The complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout one's the course of. The person's history must show that the symptoms have been evident from childhood and have affected their performance at work, in school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, read more organization, and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting out of control in their work or relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to find any family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health care specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These can include the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different environments, including home, school, or at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves however they can provide important information about the person's difficulties.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to identify areas where the individual struggles, such as academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the performance of a person.
Based on the issue that is being assessed, an evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological assessment 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 the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek another provider.