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 evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and may become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to seek out new activities or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel like they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They struggle managing their money which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down in meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see an primary care physician. They will examine the symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they weren't able to control. The symptoms may have caused them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor 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 settings and getting information from family members, including family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
The complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not 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, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They may also ask them to test for executive functions like planning, organizing and time management.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues are interfering with their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies show that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually 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 or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as home, school and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss the issues openly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, like spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are that are based on research and compare the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for another source.