20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are not useful in adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They aren't able to follow instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They might not manage their time well and frequently leave work before they are finished. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to listen to other's concerns.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for example when they check their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the condition for years and haven't been able gain control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or even blamed for things that they were unable to control. The symptoms could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. 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 since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from the symptoms experienced by men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have affected their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their issues are interfering with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues at the workplace or at home. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses that can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or at school, as well as in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. This includes an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care provider is aware of any other medications the patient is taking since some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also ask about participating in a clinical trial for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being assessed is honest about the issues and does not hide from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the life of the person who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.
Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to find a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral or to visit an area mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school of psychology for suggestions. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. how to get a diagnosis for adhd to provide this information is a red flag and the patient should find a different provider.