Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues with school and work. how to diagnose adhd in adults ADHD Diagnosis struggle to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not answer questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their finances which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are completed. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not display obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler, such as constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care provider. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to control their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those of men. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an enormous impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in relationships in other areas of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a screening test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. They may also request that they perform tests to measure executive functions, like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their relationships or work, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at the home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to manifest as inattention rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include low birthweight and premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know which other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This involves a clinical interview and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not hold back from fear or embarrassment. 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 know them well, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are that are based on research and compare the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience working with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral, or visit the local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their training and expertise in evaluating adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.