Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
A thorough evaluation with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for co-workers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering details. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel like they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They might not manage their time well and leave work frequently before they have finished. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD rarely exhibit obvious physical signs of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in meetings. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial difficulties.
adhd diagnosis uk adults who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. The doctor will assess the symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and are unable to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms.
A qualified mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observation of the patient's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from significant others, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the individual.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different from those of men. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in managing their work and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school, in their relationships and in other areas of their life.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination is required.
There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them perform tests that measure executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will review the person's medical history to find an individual or family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in early childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is essential for the health professional to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. The person suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different environments, including school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses the issues openly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a full picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient 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. These documents are used to determine the areas in which individuals struggle, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are often the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is an indication that the person should seek another provider.