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 useless for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD have trouble staying on track and 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 don't respond to questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They may also become bored with a task quickly and seek out new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel they're not keeping up with family and friends. They are troubled managing their money and this can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they're completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial difficulties.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. They will review the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage 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 may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history A qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from significant others, including family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in 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 life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. A healthcare professional can offer the person who is in their office a screening test to evaluate attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in website the way of relationships or work, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can result in difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know the other medications a patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the various options available to the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in a variety of environments, including school, home, and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are experiencing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, like spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to determine the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with valuable information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the client to find one who is specialized in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral or contact an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so is an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.