Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless in adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of others.
Those suffering from ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they're done. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indications of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch or having trouble sitting still in meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. They will review the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they've suffered from ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things that they weren't able to control. The symptoms may have caused them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
A trained mental health doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those in males. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and in 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 life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an impact on their performance at work, in school as well as in relationships in other aspects of their life.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not get a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Certain 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 deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, as well as in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to manifest as inattentive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause problems controlling anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxic substances such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know the other medications a patient is taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in a variety of settings, such as at school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss these issues honestly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get the complete picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, like spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being examined the evaluator may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional valuable information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the client to find one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary doctor for a referral, or visit an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is a red flag, and the patient should find a different service.