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Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough assessment by psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing deadlines. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it, especially when other people are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering specifics. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they're not keeping up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their money, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are done. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting down during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. They will examine their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things they couldn't control. ADHD Diagnosis could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood 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 detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to assess attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. A few 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 in the workplace or at home. A doctor will examine the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or school, and in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulty managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know what other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek another source.
