Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues with school and work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They may not be able to manage their time well and frequently leave work before they have completed. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom show obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example when they check their watch, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their inept and unorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education due to the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from those in males. 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 generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had a profound impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam must be conducted.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They may also ask them to test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life because they are noticing that their issues are getting out of control in 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 history of the patient to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the workplace or at school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive here behavior can result in difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like school, home and at work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, for example, spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being assessed, an evaluator might decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the client to find one who specializes in adults suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or call a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information about their training and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag, and the person should look for another source.