Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD have trouble staying on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are done. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not show obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting down during meetings. The lack of organization and poor work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A qualified mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from significant others, including family members and friends. The physician must also consider the medical history and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for 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 hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout one's the course of. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, diagnosis for adhd in adults may offer the patient a screening test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming in the way of relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can result in problems managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is essential for the health professional to know which other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different environments, including school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person based on standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in their own right, but they provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information on their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for another source.