Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of their work and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily get bored by boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can impact their job. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers or education.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observing the person's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical history and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
The complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout one's life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination 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, a medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to assess the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems affect their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for an individual or family history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health care professional might also check for head injury, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems controlling anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also connected to ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medications like 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 behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD A professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, like spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to determine areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated an evaluation expert website may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary care physician for a referral or to visit the local 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 that are based on the area of expertise. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should find a different service.