Do Not Forget Diagnosing Adult ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from 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 therapist or psychologist is required. The records from previous school or work can be examined as well. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues in school and at work. adult diagnosis adhd have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and may become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They also become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They struggle with managing money which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might not manage their time well and often leave work before they've finished. They might have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy performance could cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for events they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers or education.
A qualified mental health care professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. 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 the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and have affected their functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to warrant an assessment of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and 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 Histories
Some adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting out of control in their relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These difficulties can be experienced at home, in the workplace or at school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. This includes the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxic substances such as tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is crucial that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also inquire about participating in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in different settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses these issues candidly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and problems.
The evaluator could also talk to individuals in the person's life who know them well like their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are 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 in their own right, but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. 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.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to seek out one who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. Many insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag, and the person should find another provider.