Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. 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 look over past school or work records. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They struggle with money management and this can result in an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their work. They may be unable control their time well and often leave work before they've completed. They might have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can lead to financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult an primary care physician. They will review their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for years and have been unable to take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they were unable to control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These variations can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms adhd diagnosed in adulthood have been present since childhood and have had a an impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school, in their relationships and in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them take tests to assess executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. 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 assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies show that genetics influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress during early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. People with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as home, school and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, such as spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience working with adults with ADHD when seeking 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 and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information 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 person should find another provider.