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.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and 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 excessively emotional way and may have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with their family and friends. They have trouble with money management which can result in an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are done. adhd diagnosis uk adults may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely display obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watch or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work performance can contribute to job loss and financial difficulties.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. They will review the symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could 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 condition for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they couldn't control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education due to the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider a medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
The complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout one's the course of. The person's history must show that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and that they have had an impact on their functioning at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to test the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care 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.
Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by hyperactivity, impulsivity 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. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies show that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the options for medication with the patient. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help and talk therapy. They can ask 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 assessment. This is a formal interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different environments, including school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss the issues openly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed the evaluator may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when seeking an assessment with a psychologist. assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is another good idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information on their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red flag and the person should look for another source.