Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.

Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.

Symptoms

Someone with ADHD often has issues with school and work. They have difficulty keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of others.

Those with ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They are often inattentive and do not answer questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.

Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They have trouble managing their money, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they're finished. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.

Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example, by repeatedly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.

Family History

When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things that they couldn't control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education due to the symptoms.

After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical and family history of the person.

Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.

A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their lives.

If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination must be conducted.

There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to evaluate attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions, such as planning, organizing and time management.

Medical Histories

Some adults do not receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming in the way of work or relationships or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.

Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.

Studies have shown that genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.

Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.

Psychological Evaluation

A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly without hiding out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are experiencing.

The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, like spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.

In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often these 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 testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.

It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience read more working with adults with ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary care physician for a referral or visit the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag and the person should seek another service.