Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing deadlines. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored with tasks quickly and are likely to look for new tasks or problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their job may suffer because of 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 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.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely display obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like constantly checking their watch, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. The lack of organization and poor work performance can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them 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 affect stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the condition for years and haven't been able manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These variations can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
The complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout one's life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of their life.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In adhd diagnose ADHD Diagnosis , a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know which other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in a variety of situations, including at home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, like spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide important information about the person's difficulties.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek out a different service.