Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a therapist or psychologist is required. The records from previous school or work may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering specifics. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They may also become bored quickly and look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They are troubled with managing money, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may not be able to manage their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
adhd uk diagnosis to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults with ADHD do not show obvious physical indications of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for example when they check their watches or having difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover they have lived with ADHD for years, and are unable to manage 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 had difficulty maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from family members such as family members and friends. The practitioner must also consider a medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from the symptoms experienced by males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and that they have affected their performance at school, work in relationships, and in various other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be conducted along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention, distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, and they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they notice their problems getting in the way of working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to determine if there is any family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or school, and in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in the early years of childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is important that the health professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods or talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses the issues openly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide important information about the person's challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas in which individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the client to seek out one who specializes in adults with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as an indication that the person should seek another service.