20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
A thorough evaluation with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to review previous work or school records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person who has ADHD often has issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel that they can't keep up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they are completed. They may have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be more subtle, like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial troubles.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. They will review the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things that they were unable to control. These issues could have led them to face difficulties in their relationships, careers or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account a medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD differ in women and men, a lot of women go undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These variations can make it difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
adhd adult diagnosis is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout the course of. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been evident from childhood and have affected their functioning at school, work as well as in relationships and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical exam is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or ask them to test executive functions, like planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. 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 work or at home. A doctor will go over the person's medical history to look for any family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Research has shown that genetics are a factor in the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. These include low birthweight preterm births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know the other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological evaluation to diagnose adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in various settings, such as at school, home, and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and without reluctance because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's issues.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect the performance of a person.
Based on the issue that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You may also inquire with a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered a red flag and the patient should seek out a different service.