Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are useless for adults.

Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.

Symptoms

A person with ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of others.

Those with ADHD struggle to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, which makes them appear disinterested or uninterested. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are more likely to look for new activities or problems.

Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They are troubled managing their money which can result in an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their work. They may not be able to control their time well and leave work frequently before they have completed. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.

Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting down during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could cause financial problems and loss of jobs.

Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.

Family History

It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things they weren't able to control. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.

A qualified mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.

Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These variations can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.

It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been evident from childhood and have affected their functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.

If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should investigate the presence of 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 evaluation and a thorough medical examination should be conducted.

Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging 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 level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to test executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.

Medical History

Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs as children, they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming hindering their working or in relationships, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to determine if there is an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional might also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.

For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children read more to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.

Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.

The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. A person with ADHD should inform 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 taking part in a research study to test new medication treatments.

Psychological Evaluation

A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This is a formal interview and a review of pertinent documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different environments, including home, school, and work. It is important that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's functioning and any issues.

The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who know them well like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.

In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas in which individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.

Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.

If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so is an indication that the person should seek another provider.