The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms For Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel that they can't keep up with family and friends. They are troubled with money management, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they are finished. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still during a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy performance could result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the condition for years and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things they couldn't control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their careers or education due to the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from significant others, including family members and friends. The physician should also take into account the medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These variations can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
The complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had a profound impact on the person's performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives.
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, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam should be conducted.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the healthcare professional may give the patient a test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Others are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of relationships or work or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to look for any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress during early childhood.
adhd diagnosis adults of times, the symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is crucial that the health professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. A person with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide from fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other or 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 those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they do provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, including old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being assessed the evaluator may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with valuable information that can be used to determine the presence and severity of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral, or contact the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is a red flag and the patient should find a different service.