Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They are not attentive and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they are completed. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom show obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, like when they check their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their functioning at school, work as well as in relationships and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination is required.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs when they were children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of relationships or work or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to look for any family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. A health care professional might also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. how to get diagnosed with adhd can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know what other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. A person with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and problems.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the client to seek out one who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary doctor for a referral or visit an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to share information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate is a red flag and the patient should seek out a different service.