Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children do not work for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They are unable to keep the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medications they need. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. adults diagnosed with adhd are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They can have difficulty remembering instructions and particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel that they aren't keeping up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they're done. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to other's concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely show obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down during meetings. Their inept and unorganized performance at work can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the signs.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The history of the person should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at school, work as well as 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 are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, a complete medical examination must 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 evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of work or relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as well in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. This includes an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These are used to determine areas where the person struggles, such as academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary care physician for a referral, or contact an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. A refusal to participate is a red flag and the person should seek another provider.