Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing deadlines. They have lost 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 overly emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it, especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They have trouble managing their money, which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they are completed. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for example constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial troubles.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary healthcare provider. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for things they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women go undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These variations could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's history must show that the symptoms have been evident from childhood and have affected their functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical exam is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or read more blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office an assessment test to determine attention and distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
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 of their jobs or academics became greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include low birthweight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial for the health professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as home, school and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discusses these issues candidly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as a 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 those with ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. Often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the person should find an alternative provider.