Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. The records from previous school or work can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are often inattentive and do not answer questions, which makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details, which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They also become bored quickly and are likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel they aren't keeping up with their family and friends. They may have trouble managing their finances, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may be unable manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are finished. They may have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler and include checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could result in financial issues and loss of jobs.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things that they couldn't control. The symptoms could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from relatives such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships because of these differences.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination must be conducted.
In general, there isn't a blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to assess attention and distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point academic or occupational demands increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. 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 keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. adult adhd diagnosis uk can include the low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask 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 talk about these issues honestly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the patient is doing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people with ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide important information to the examiner to determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults with ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the person's primary care physician for a referral, or call the local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek another source.