Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.

Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. The records from previous school or work can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and friends.

Signs and symptoms

A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.

Those with ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with family and friends. They struggle with money management which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Failure to follow the 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 to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.

Contrary to the boisterous hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD rarely show obvious physical indications of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler like constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.

A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. They will review the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.

Family History

It can be devastating for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for a long time, and are unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, and were branded "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for events they were unable to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the symptoms.

After a thorough examination and a detailed history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual.

Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These differences can make it difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.

It is crucial to collect an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an enormous impact on their performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives.

If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation and a thorough medical examination is required.

There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office an assessment test to determine attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions like organizing, planning and time management.

Medical History

Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their working or in relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that suggests depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.

Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions.

Studies have revealed that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.

Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD.

Psychological Evaluation

To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses these issues candidly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and any issues.

The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare to those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties.

The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to determine areas where the individual struggles, such as academic performance as well as work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.

Depending on the issue that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with additional valuable information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing here disorders such as depression or anxiety.

It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information on their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should look for another provider.