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 a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel they can't keep up with their family and friends. They are troubled managing their money which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're done. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like when they check their watch or having trouble sitting still in meetings. The lack of organization and poor work habits can cause financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. He or she will evaluate the symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education due to the signs.
A licensed mental health care professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms such as trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The history of the person should show that symptoms have been present from childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, request that they test executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the options for medication available. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a study that studies new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of situations, including at home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked what they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the person to choose a psychologist who is specialized in people with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red flag, and the person should look for an alternative provider.