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.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they need. They are also more likely to react to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They may also become bored with a task quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They struggle managing their money and this can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they are finished. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance when they check their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy performance could cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary healthcare provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are 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 to 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. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education due to the signs.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider a medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These differences can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout one's life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment and a thorough medical examination is required.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Others are diagnosed later in life when they notice their problems getting hindering their work or relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or at school, as well as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. 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 study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away because of fear or embarrassment. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the person's life who know them well like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to identify areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. Often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the performance of a person.
Depending on the issue that is being assessed an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a excellent 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. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek an alternative provider.