Diagnosing Adult ADHD

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are useless for adults.

A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and friends.

Symptoms

A person with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.

Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They are often inattentive and do not answer questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel that they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're done. They might have difficulty getting diagnosed with adhd to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people.

Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example when they check their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.

A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.

Family History

It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for things they couldn't control. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.

After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the person.

Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These variations could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.

Obtaining a full family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout the course of. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have had an impact on their functioning at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas.

If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam is required.

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 test executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.

Medical History

Some adults do not get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues in the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional can also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.

Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.

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 connected to ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.

Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.

Psychological Evaluation

A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the patient is doing and what issues they are experiencing.

The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide important information about the individual and their issues.

The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These are used to identify areas where to diagnose adhd an individual is struggling, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.

Based on the issue that is being examined, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator useful information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.

If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the person to seek out one who specializes in adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or call the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is a red flag and the patient should seek out a different service.