Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough assessment by a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems in school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their job. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently quit work before they are done. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. They will examine their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for events they weren't able to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their careers or education due to the signs.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs such as trouble being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These variations can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs as children, they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Others are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting hindering their work or relationships, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or school, and in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. This includes an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. People with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
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For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This involves a clinical interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different settings, such as at school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hide because of fear or embarrassment. This will enable the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. In most cases they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the client to choose a psychologist who specializes in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary doctor for a referral or to call an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information is viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.