Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering details. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They may struggle with managing their money, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might not control their time well and leave work frequently before they are finished. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD seldom show obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle like checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms may have caused them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional 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 practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an enormous impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues at the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug and alcohol use or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medications interact with 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 inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different environments, including home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are experiencing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the person is struggling, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Based on the issue that is being assessed, an evaluator might decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide important information to the examiner that can help determine if there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the person to seek out one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is another beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red flag and the person should find another source.