Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not answer questions, which makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and want to try new tasks or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their finances which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their job. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are completed. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler and include checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting down in meetings. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss and financial difficulties.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and haven't been able manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.
A qualified mental health care 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 behavior in various settings and gathering 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 wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These variations can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
The complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout the course of. The person's history will reveal that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and that they have affected their functioning at school, work as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be conducted in addition to the psychiatric examination.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction 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. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for an individual or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work, or at school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can lead to difficulties managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know which other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. People with ADHD must inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a study that studies new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated the evaluator may choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to determine the presence and severity of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. IamPsychiatry have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide details about their expertise and training for evaluating adult ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red-flag and the person should look for another source.