Diagnosing Adult ADHD: A Simple Definition
Diagnosing Adult ADHDAdult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are not attentive and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and recalling specifics, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel they can't keep up with family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they're done. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance when they check their watches, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. The doctor will assess the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could interact 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 years and haven't been able to take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things they couldn't control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A qualified mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from relatives such as family members and friends. The doctor must also consider a medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in relationships in other areas of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A complete medical exam is required in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their website office an assessment test to determine attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions like organizing, planning and time management.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties in work or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. This includes low birthweight preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away out of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate 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 to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like 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 typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the client to find one who specializes in people with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary health care provider for a referral, or contact an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialization. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their education and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should find another provider.