10 Essentials Concerning Diagnosing Adult ADHD You Didn't Learn At School
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children do not work for adults.
A thorough evaluation with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They struggle to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They aren't able to follow instructions and recalling specifics which can result in errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They struggle with money management which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're finished. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to other's concerns.
diagnosing adhd adults to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD do not show obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like when they check their watch, or they might have difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. They will review their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and haven't been able take control of 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 face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A qualified mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
It is important to obtain the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical examination is required along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the patient a screening test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will examine 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 professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help and talk therapy. They may ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This is a formal interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings like home, school and work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, like a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare to those of people without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to determine the areas in which an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to find one who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral or to call an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information is viewed as a red-flag and the person should find another source.