Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are useless in adults.
A thorough assessment with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding 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.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They may also become bored quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their friends and family. They are troubled with money management, which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are done. They may be unable to get together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. They will review the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things that they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from relatives such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on the person's performance at work, in school, in their relationships and in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the doctor must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam must be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to test executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed or managed well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues in the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at the 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. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. www.iampsychiatry.uk and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional useful information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered a red flag and the person should seek another service.