Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They often react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty 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 seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with family and friends. They are troubled managing their money, which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their jobs. They might not manage their time well and frequently leave work before they have completed. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example, by repeatedly checking their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and messy work performance can contribute to job loss and financial troubles.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for events they weren't able to control. The symptoms may have caused 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 doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
The complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an enormous impact on their performance at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant an assessment of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination should be performed along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of relationships or work or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be evident as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the options for medication with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This will involve a psychotherapy 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 environments, including school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss these issues honestly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to determine areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. undiagnosed adhd in adults are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment It is recommended for the client to find one who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is a red flag, and the patient should find a different provider.