Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may be easily bored by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not answer questions, making them seem disinterested or uninterested. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They struggle with managing money which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may not be able to manage their time well and often leave work before they are completed. They might have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to others' concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like when they check their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things they couldn't control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. These variations can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had an impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office an assessment test to determine attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions like planning, organizing and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to find any family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. A health specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as 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 versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know which other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. A person with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings like home, school and work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hold back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the individual is doing 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, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used more info to determine the areas where an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. 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 conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or call the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as an indication that the person should seek another service.