Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are not attentive and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in errors and insufficient work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel like they can't keep up with their family and friends. They struggle managing their money, which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They may not be able to control their time well and often leave work before they have completed. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to others' concerns.
Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom display obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
After adult adhd diagnosis uk and a thorough history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observing the person's behavior in different settings and getting information from significant others such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout one's life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on the person's performance at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment 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 medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. They may also request that they test executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms 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 trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause problems controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxic substances such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is crucial that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking because certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the options for medication available. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide because of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or acquaintances with the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, such as academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information is viewed as a red flag, and the person should look for another provider.