Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are not useful for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that 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 others.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are not attentive and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with their family and friends. They struggle with managing money and this can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and leave work frequently before they've finished. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like when they check their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized performance at work can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will evaluate their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the signs.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from significant others, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from the symptoms experienced by men. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant an assessment of ADHD The doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to find any family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or school, and in social settings. 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 keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
adhd uk diagnosis has shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This is a formal interview and a review of pertinent documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in a variety of environments, including school, home, and at work. It is important that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hide out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to determine areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the person to choose a psychologist who specializes in adults with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to provide information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so is a red flag and the patient should seek out a different service.