Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They have trouble managing their money and this can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time well and leave work frequently before they are completed. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance when they check their watches, or they might have trouble sitting still in meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
IamPsychiatry who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. 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 devastating for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from family members such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
It is crucial to collect 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 consistently present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical examination should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to test for executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of relationships or work, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is important that the health professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like home, school and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they do provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being examined, an evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or to call the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should look for another provider.