Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough evaluation with a 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.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are not attentive and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble remembering instructions and specifics. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They can also get bored quickly and are more likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel like they aren't keeping up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their money, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and frequently quit work before they are done. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely show obvious physical indicators of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watch or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. The lack of organization and poor work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care provider. They will review the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough 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 settings and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also take into account a medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present from childhood and have affected their functioning at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical examination should be conducted in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or request that they test executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting hindering their work or relationships, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for a family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know which other medications a patient is taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a research study to test new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various situations, including at home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator could also talk to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals who are get more info certified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered a red flag and the patient should find a different service.