Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and friends.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They are unable to keep on top of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they're finished. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not show obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for example when they check their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history, a qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those in males. 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 display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships because of these differences.
A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a screening test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. adhd uk diagnosis may also request that they take tests to assess executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can result in difficulty managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is important that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide out of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic, but they do provide important information about the person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red flag, and the patient should seek another provider.