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 appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing their deadlines. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are not attentive and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and details. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They also become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or new challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their money which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might not control their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults with ADHD do not display obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watch, or they might have trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial troubles.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able gain control of 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 may have caused them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had a profound impact on the person's performance at school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues interfere with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues at the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know what other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the various options available to the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different situations, including at home, school, and work. It is important that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hide out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the patient is doing and what issues they are having.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, like a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the person's primary doctor for a referral, or call an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so is an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.