Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new tasks or problems.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with family and friends. They struggle with managing money, which can result in an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently quit work before they are done. They might have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid", or blamed for events they weren't able to control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers due to the signs.
A trained mental health professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those of men. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, a complete medical examination must be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions like organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Many adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or did well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands became greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek help to manage their difficulties in the workplace or at home. A doctor will examine the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can result in difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Often, how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. Patients with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial of new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is crucial that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not shy away out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and problems.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.