Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of others.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can get bored easily by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They struggle with money management, which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time effectively and leave work frequently before they've finished. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial problems.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
adhd diagnosis in adult can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider a medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at school, work as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment and a thorough medical examination should be conducted.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, request that they test executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, and they were misdiagnosed or managed well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems interfere with their relationships or work. Or they seek help to manage their difficulties at work or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in problems managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also ask about participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator may also interview individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's issues.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information to the examiner to determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary doctor for a referral or to contact an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their education and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should find a different provider.