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Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are not attentive and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They also become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they're done. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, like constantly checking their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the condition for years and have been unable to take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
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 includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also take into account a medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They're less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment, a complete medical examination must be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may offer the person a screening test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to test executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not get a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting hindering their work or relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person is affected at the workplace, at home or school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause difficulty managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Research has shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is crucial for the health care professional to know which other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. People with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This is a formal interview and a 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 situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are experiencing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that use research on how the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being examined the evaluator may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the person to seek out one who is specialized in people with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the person should find another provider.