Ten Pinterest Accounts To Follow About Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children do not work in adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. The records from previous school or work can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They often lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and become bored easily with boring tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their money which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they are finished. They might have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to the concerns of others.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD do not display obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the condition for years and have been unable to gain control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for events they couldn't control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the signs.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various settings and getting information from relatives such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical and family history of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are not diagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms like trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men in navigating the work world and their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had a profound impact on the person's performance in school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of their lives.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person who is in their office a screening test to evaluate attention, distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults do not get a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work, or they seek help to manage their difficulties in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to find any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health care professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention could result in difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Research has shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to adhd diagnosis for adults. 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 majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is crucial for the health care professional to know what other medications a patient may be taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor of any other mental or medical 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 treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in various situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly, without holding back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to help determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who specializes in adults with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You may also inquire with a local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their experience and training in evaluating adult adhd diagnosis ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red flag, diagnosing ADHD in adults and the person should find another source.
