Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They also become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel that they can't keep up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their finances and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may be unable control their time well and leave work frequently before they have finished. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD don't show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance when they check their watch or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their inept and unorganized performance at work can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
The complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had an enormous impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical exam should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming in the way of relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to find a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health care professional might also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury, drug and alcohol use or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at the home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know the other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic, but they do provide important information about the person's issues.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed the evaluator may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering read more from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek another source.