Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering details. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They may also become bored with a task quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with 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 make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their job. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they are done. They may have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to the concerns of others.
Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not show obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care doctor. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for things they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from relatives, including family members and friends. The physician must also consider a medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from the symptoms experienced by men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination is required.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming out of control in their work or relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems with staying organized, missing 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 impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they do provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to determine areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. adult adhd diagnosis uk may also inquire with a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be viewed as a red-flag and the person should find another provider.