Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and don't respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They have trouble following directions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They struggle with money management and this can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They might also be unable to effectively manage their time and often quit work before they are done. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not show obvious physical indications of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance when they check their watches or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. The doctor will assess the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
When 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 manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid", or blamed for things that they weren't able to control. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education.
A licensed mental health care professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observing the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from relatives such as family members and friends. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.
The complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout the course of. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and have affected their performance at school, work as well as in relationships and in various 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 evaluation, a complete medical examination must be conducted.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, a medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming in the way of work or relationships or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will examine 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 professional can also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking because some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the options for medication available. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help or talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will involve a psychotherapy 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 school, home, and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other or parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide important information about the person's challenges.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in people with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral or to visit the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A majority of insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red flag and the person should find another source.