Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can be easily bored by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details, which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They have trouble with managing money and this can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are finished. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the condition for years and have been unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for events they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from relatives, including family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been evident from childhood and have affected their performance at school, work, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical examination should be performed in addition to the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the person a screening 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 abilities.
Medical History
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties in work or at home. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or at school, as well as in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to click here difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know which other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will talk about the various options available to the patient. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and any issues.
The evaluator could also talk to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These are used to identify areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional valuable information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience working with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral, or visit an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another source.