Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues at school and at work. They struggle to keep on top of their work and meeting deadlines. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They may also become bored quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and leave work frequently before they are finished. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care doctor. The doctor will evaluate their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are 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 gain control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from significant others, including family members and friends. adhd diagnosis uk adults should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have affected their functioning at work, in 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 must look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. A complete medical exam is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or request that they test executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands were greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This includes a clinical interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away because of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking 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 to visit the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the person should look for an alternative provider.