Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of others.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They have trouble managing their money which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their work. They may be unable control their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like constantly checking their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for years and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for events they couldn't control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history A qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different settings and getting information from family members, including family members and friends. The physician must also consider the medical history and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than the symptoms experienced by men. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These differences could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical exam should be performed along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention, distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organizing and time management skills.
adult adhd diagnosis receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to look for an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial for the health professional to know which other medications a patient may be taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, such as self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away because of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator may also speak to 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 using standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to identify areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You may also inquire with a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. 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 seen as a red flag and the person should find an alternative provider.