Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to look over the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those suffering from ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can get bored easily by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and seek out new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They have trouble with managing money, which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might not manage their time well and frequently leave work before they've completed. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely show obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still in a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from family members, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. A complete medical exam is required along with a psychiatric evaluation.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
adult adhd diagnosis uk has shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as home, school and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talk about the issues openly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and problems.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, like a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person based on standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where the person is struggling, such as academic performance as well as 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.
Depending on the problem that is being examined, an evaluator might decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disability tests. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination It is recommended for the person to find one who is specialized in people with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or contact an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate should be considered an indication that the person should seek another provider.