Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment by psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering details. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new activities or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They may have trouble managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are done. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to other's concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things that they were unable to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the symptoms.
A qualified mental health care professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from family members, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to navigating the work world and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a profound impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work as well as in relationships in other areas of their lives.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical exam is required along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, request that they test executive functions, like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting out of control in their working or in relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to find an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. iampsychiatry.com and impulsive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is essential for the health professional to know which other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as home, school and work. It is important that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not hide out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person using standardized ratings scales which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or to contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.