Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful in adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and may become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and particulars. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel that they're not keeping up with friends and family. They have trouble with money management and this can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently quit work before they are completed. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. They will review the symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able to take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they were unable to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers due to the signs.
A licensed mental health care professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from the symptoms experienced by men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These variations can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
The complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout one's life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on the person's performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination must be conducted.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a test in the office to assess the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed or managed well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or click here at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to look for any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know what other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical trial of new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different situations, including at home, school, and work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag and the person should look for another source.