Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children are useless in adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD often has issues with school and work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or 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 may have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviours of others.
People with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They can have difficulty remembering instructions and specifics. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can affect their work. They may be unable control their time well and leave work frequently before they have finished. adhd diagnosis uk adults may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. He or she will evaluate the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things that they weren't able to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from relatives such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with 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 usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a an impact on their performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam must be conducted.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming in the way of work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention could result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss these issues honestly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and any issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic however they can provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.