Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their finances and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're completed. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler and include constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. They will examine their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for years, 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 they couldn't control. The symptoms may have caused them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering 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 differ in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These characteristics can make it 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, since the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have had an impact on their performance at school, work, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation and a thorough medical examination must be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions, such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed or managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Others are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting out of control in their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be evident as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also inquire about taking part in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In getting an adhd diagnosis to the patient interview and additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological assessment It is recommended for the person to find one who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral or visit an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer the list of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red flag, and the person should find another source.