10 Factors To Know About Diagnosing Adult ADHD You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough assessment with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and acquaintances.
Signs and symptoms
A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and have trouble in focusing or interpreting the moods and behaviours of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them appear disinterested or uninterested. They can have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They struggle managing their money, which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are completed. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD seldom show obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like when they check their watches or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication 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 been living with the condition for years and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things they were unable to control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their careers or education due to the signs.
A trained mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The physician should also take into account the medical and family history of the person.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention signs such as trouble staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These differences could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships.
It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present from childhood and had an impact on the person's performance at work, in school, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the patient a screening test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, request that they perform tests to measure executive functions, like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted 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 relationships or work, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics influence 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 preterm births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the various options available to the patient. People with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can ask about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like home, school and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly without hiding out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the patient is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Depending on how to get an adult adhd diagnosis that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the client to seek out one who is specialized in adults with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is another 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. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to share information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.