Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and get bored easily by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They also become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel like they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They struggle with money management, which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often quit work before they are completed. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom show obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle like checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting down in a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their work or education due to the signs.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an enormous impact on their performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of his or her life.
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, like mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination is required.
There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to test executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will review the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or school, and in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could cause problems staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know which other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the options for medication available. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk uk adhd diagnosis therapy. They may ask about participating in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as home, school and work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. In most cases these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.
Based on the issue that is being assessed the evaluator may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner to determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another excellent idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek out a different provider.