Why We Love Diagnosing Adult ADHD (And You Should, Too!)
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
People with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new activities or new challenges.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they are completed. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler and include checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still during the course of a meeting. The lack of organization and poor work performance can cause financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things they weren't able to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
A trained mental health specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also take into account a medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. These differences can make it difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout the course of one's the course of. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their lives.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD, the clinician must determine if there are other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders as well as learning disorders and addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical exam is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to assess the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or request that they take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems affect their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family history or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at the workplace, at home or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have revealed that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know which other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
diagnosing adhd
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a clinical interview and review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as home, school and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss these issues candidly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get a full picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they provide valuable information about the person and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being assessed an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as anxiety or depression.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the person to seek out one who is specialized in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the person's primary doctor for a referral or visit a local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so is a red flag and the patient should seek out a different service.