Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. how to get a adhd diagnosis of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk 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 other people.
People with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are not attentive and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They have trouble following directions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are likely to look for new tasks or problems.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel that they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money, which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they are done. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to other's concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not exhibit obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle like checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting down in meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. They will review the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
If 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 may have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for events they couldn't control. The symptoms may have caused them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused and are less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These variations can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on the person's performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek help to manage their difficulties at work or at home. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual struggles, such as academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. Most often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the person to seek out one who specializes in people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as an indication that the person should seek another provider.