Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may 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 inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They may struggle with managing their finances which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time effectively and often leave work before they have completed. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial troubles.
A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. They will review the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They may 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, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in various other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient 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). A complete medical exam should be conducted along with the psychiatric examination.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office an assessment test to determine attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions like planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed or managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to look for any family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. A health care professional may also check for head injury, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work or school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in difficulty controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the various options available to the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including self-help methods or talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of pertinent documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various settings, such as at school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
iampsychiatry.com may also look over other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to identify areas where an individual struggles, such as academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being examined the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional valuable information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the client to seek out one who specializes in adults with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is another excellent idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be considered a red flag, and the patient should find a different service.