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Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with their family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their finances which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and frequently leave work before they are finished. They may be unable to get together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care provider. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for years, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for events they couldn't control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a thorough history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at school, work, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to warrant an assessment of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A complete medical exam should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a screening test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, request that they test executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never get a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands were greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. A health care professional might also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or school, and in social situations. In adults, the signs 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 difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births as well as exposure to toxins such 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 provider knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people with ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on diagnosis adhd that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment It is recommended for the client to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to share information about their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information is viewed as a red flag and the person should look for another source.
