Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they need. 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 suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They may also get bored quickly and seek out new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their friends and family. They struggle with managing money, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are done. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely show obvious physical signs of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will examine their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. The symptoms may have caused them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider the medical history and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as 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 a an impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment and a thorough medical examination is required.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the healthcare professional could give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands were greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause difficulty managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Research has shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking because certain medications interact with stimulants. how to diagnosis adhd or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. A person with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in various settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a full picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of evaluations of performance at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the performance of a person.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine if there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek an alternative provider.