20 Fun Facts About Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.
A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have difficulty keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing particularly when people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and are likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They may struggle with managing their money which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their jobs. They might also be unable to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they are done. They may have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work performance can contribute to job loss and financial problems.
A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. He or she will assess the symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a thorough history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from relatives, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been present from childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school as well as in relationships and in various 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 may cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination should be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention, distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not get a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek help to manage their difficulties in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at the 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. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is important that the health care provider is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. www.iampsychiatry.com with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of environments, including home, school, and work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. In most cases these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the client to seek out one who specializes in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary doctor for a referral or to visit the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek another source.