Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They are unable to keep on top of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it even when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining particulars. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They have trouble with money management which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines could affect their jobs. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they are done. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to the concerns of others.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. They will review 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 if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage 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 due to the signs.
A qualified mental health care professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from relatives such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation and a thorough medical examination is required.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention, distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms 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 were greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work. Or they seek help to manage their difficulties in work or at home. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, as well as in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know what other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult 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 examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not shy away from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate here the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, including reports and old 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. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being examined the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary care physician for a referral, or call an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for another source.