Why We Do We Love Diagnosing Adult ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Diagnosing Adult ADHDAdult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment by psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of others.
People with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing particularly when people are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble remembering instructions and details. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They struggle with money management and this can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their jobs. They may not be able to manage their time well and often leave work before they are completed. They may have a hard to get along with colleagues or supervisors because of their temper and inability to other's concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance when they check their watch, or they might have trouble sitting still in meetings. Their inept and unorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial problems.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These characteristics can make it difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and 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 sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical exam should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Others are diagnosed later in life when they are noticing that their issues are getting in the way of relationships or work or they seek help to manage their difficulties 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 professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows what other medications 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 various options for treatment. Patients suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses these issues candidly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a full picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological, or learning get more info disability tests. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their education and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is an indication that the patient should seek out a different service.