Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to look over the work or school records of the past. 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 frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They tend to react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of others.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They also can become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel that they can't keep up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their finances and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they've finished. They may be unable to get together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things that they were unable to control. The symptoms may have caused them to have issues in their relationships, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. adhd diagnosis uk adults can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical History
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history 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, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential for the health care 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 various options for treatment. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You may also inquire with a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.