Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They often lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are not attentive and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering specifics. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their money which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable control their time well and leave work frequently before they are completed. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to other's concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example, by repeatedly checking their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone who is who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could 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 a long time and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things that they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in different settings and getting information from family members such as family members and friends. The physician must also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in men. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. These variations can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on the individual's functioning 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 clinician should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical examination is required along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to test executive functions, like planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults do not receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming in the way of working or in relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with 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.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such click here as at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hide from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they can provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These are used to identify areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. Often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the client to choose a psychologist who specializes in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary care physician for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information on their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another provider.