Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may become bored easily with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They also become bored quickly and are likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel like they can't keep up with friends and family. They have trouble managing their money and this can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they're completed. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, like constantly checking their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. They will review the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things that they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from significant others such as family members and friends. The doctor must also consider the medical history and family history of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These differences can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is crucial to collect an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have affected their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A complete medical exam is required along with the psychiatric examination.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also request that they test executive functions like organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their relationships or work or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause difficulty controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that a person's genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These can include the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during website early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is crucial for the health professional to know the other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a study that studies new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator may also interview individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do 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 determine the areas where an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered a red flag and the person should seek another service.