Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They can have difficulty remembering instructions and specifics. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They may have trouble managing their money, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to adhere to rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're finished. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to the concerns of others.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom show obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their inept and unorganized performance at work can lead to job loss and financial problems.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. The doctor will assess their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These variations can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an enormous impact on the person's performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be conducted along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to evaluate here attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems interfere with their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues at the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to find any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. A health professional can also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, as well as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also connected to ADHD. This includes an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth and exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
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 to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to determine areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should find another provider.