Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they need. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those with ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, making them seem disinterested or uninterested. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics, which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel that they can't keep up with family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time effectively and leave work frequently before they've finished. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watch or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "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.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough 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 individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
It is crucial to collect an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The person's history will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have affected their functioning at work, in school, in relationships, and in 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 can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed in addition to the psychiatric examination.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. Others are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming in the way of working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or at school, as well as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxic substances such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. Patients with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports click here and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral or contact a local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as an indication that the patient should find a different service.