Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and be easily bored by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing even when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They are troubled with money management which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis to follow guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they're completed. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance when they check their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will assess the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things they were unable to control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional 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 patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty 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 typically persist throughout life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and that they have had an impact on their functioning at work, in school in relationships, and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor must look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A complete medical exam is required along with a psychiatric evaluation.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to evaluate attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues affect their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to look for an individual or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
The majority of times, the 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 since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different situations, including at home, school, and work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly without hiding out of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. In most cases these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the performance of a person.
Depending on the issue that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask your primary doctor for a referral or to visit an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. Many insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red flag, and the patient should seek an alternative provider.