Diagnosing Adult ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. The records from previous school or work may be reviewed as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They can also get bored quickly and are likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel they aren't keeping up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money, which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time well and often leave work before they have completed. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler and include checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could lead to financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid", or blamed for events they were unable to control. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can make a diagnosis of adult adhd diagnosis for adults. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from the symptoms experienced by males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details and are less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace 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 person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on their performance at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, diagnosing ADHD in adults 2015). A thorough medical examination is required along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention, distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical Histories
Many adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Others are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming in the way of working or in relationships, or they are seeking help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This includes a clinical interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various environments, including home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses the issues openly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator may also interview people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic however they can provide important information about the person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary health care provider for a referral or call a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information about their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A refusal to participate is an indication that the patient should find a different provider.
