Diagnosing Adult ADHD

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.

A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.

Symptoms

ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.

Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and can be easily bored by boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They also can become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or problems.

Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their job. They may not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they've finished. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.

Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down in a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial problems.

A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. He or she will assess the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.

Family History

When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the condition for years and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms.

A qualified mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from relatives, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account the medical and family history of the individual.

Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.

It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and have affected their functioning at school, work as well as in relationships and in various other areas.

If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam is required.

There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the person a screening test in the office to assess 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 do not receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems at the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.

Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.

Studies have shown that genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in early childhood.

The majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is important that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other more info psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new medication treatments.

Psychological Evaluation

A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is crucial that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not shy away out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are having.

The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's challenges.

In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.

Depending on the issue that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with additional valuable information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.

It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked with adults with ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or contact an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the person should find another source.