Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. diagnosing adhd adults have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They are troubled managing their money and this can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and frequently quit work before they are finished. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, like when they check their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and messy work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial troubles.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for events they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These differences can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have had an impact on their functioning at work, school as well as in relationships and in various other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam must be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person who is in their office an assessment test to determine attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for a family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. A health care professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments that can cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes the low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know which other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is important that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual struggles, such as academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the client to seek out one who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary care physician for a referral or to visit an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information on their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be viewed as a red flag and the person should find an alternative provider.