The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
A thorough assessment with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments and 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.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they can't keep up with family and friends. They have trouble with money management, which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may not be able to control their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
Contrary to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom show obvious physical indications of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler like checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still in meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can cause financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see an primary care physician. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things they were unable to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the signs.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those of males. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination should be performed in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to perform tests to measure executive functions like organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming hindering their working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or school, and in social settings. adhd diagnoses are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that a person's genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. These include low birthweight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like home, school and work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding 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 or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, including old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These are used to determine areas where an individual struggles, such as academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the client to seek out one who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral or to call the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate should be considered an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.