It's The Diagnosing Adult ADHD Case Study You'll Never Forget
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and get bored easily by boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing even when others are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining particulars. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel like they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their money which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They may be unable manage their time well and frequently leave work before they've completed. They may be unable to get together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for example when they check their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and have been unable to gain control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the signs.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination is required along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults do not get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when academic or occupational demands became greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek help to manage their difficulties in the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work, or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is essential for the health care professional to know what other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. People with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various settings, such as at home, school, and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and problems.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. Iam Psychiatry aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner to determine if there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should find a different provider.