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 not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They may also become bored quickly and look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may not be able to control their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not show obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer 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 medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the condition for years and have been unable to take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history A qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from relatives, including family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women go undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a an impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the medical professional may more info offer the patient a test in the office to assess the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or they did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting in the way of working or in relationships, 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 find a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking since some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of situations, including at home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a full picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. In most cases they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the issue 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 but they will provide the evaluator with valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your primary health care provider for a referral, or visit an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another source.