Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough assessment with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of other people.
People with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details, which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They also become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel that they can't keep up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their money, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and often leave work before they have finished. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom show obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for example when they check their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical history and family history of the person.
Since how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands were greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at home, at work or at school, as as in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial for the health care professional to know which other medications a patient may be taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. Patients with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in various environments, including school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues candidly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of those with ADHD compare with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they do provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their education and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be considered a red flag and the person should seek another service.