Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or “reading” the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or “zoning out” without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be inactive and don’t respond to questions, making them seem disinterested or uninterested. They aren’t able to follow instructions and recalling specifics, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or diagnosing adhd in adults incur debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can affect their jobs. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they have finished. They may have a hard to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to listen to other’s concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler, such as constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting down during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of adhd private diagnosis is advised to speak with their primary care physician. The doctor will assess the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The physician will also inquire about the patient’s medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called “lazy,” “irresponsible” or “stupid,” or been blamed for issues they could not help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a thorough history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves observing the patient’s behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider the medical history and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with managing their work and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren’t severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical exam should be performed in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or request that they test executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical History
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming hindering their relationships or work or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will look over the person’s medical history to find a family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxic substances such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the various options available to the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or diagnosing adhd in adults psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various situations, including at home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not hide from fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual’s functioning and any issues.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person’s life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked to rate the person’s behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare with those of those who don’t have ADHD. These ratings aren’t diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person’s issues.
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 pinpoint the areas in which an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Most often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the performance of a person.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults with ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary doctor for a referral or to visit the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek out a different provider.