Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may be easily bored by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering particulars. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They may also become bored with a task quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They struggle with managing money which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are finished. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like when they check their watch or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they couldn't control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those of men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have affected their performance at school, work, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation 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. However, a healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, request that they test executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming in the way of work or relationships, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at the home, at work or at school, as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause problems managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies show that a person's genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in website various environments, including home, school, or at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where the person struggles, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information to the examiner that can help determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who specializes in adults with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag and the person should seek another service.