Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults.

Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.

Symptoms

Someone with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They struggle to keep on top of their work and meeting deadlines. They have lost things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of others.

People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can be easily bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it that they are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They can also get bored quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their finances which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may be unable control their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They may have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.

Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle and include checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. The lack of organization and poor performance could result in financial issues and loss of jobs.

A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see 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. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.

Family History

It can be devastating for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. The symptoms may have caused them to face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.

After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history A qualified mental health professional or physician can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This involves 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 history of the individual.

Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.

It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have affected their performance at school, work as well as in relationships and in various other areas.

If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). A thorough medical exam should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation.

There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the healthcare professional could give the person a screening test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also request that they take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.

Medical Histories

Some adults never get a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will examine the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol or drug abuse as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.

In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work, or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.

Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. This includes the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.

Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know which other medications a patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including self-help or talk therapy. They can also inquire about taking part in a research study to test new treatments for ADHD.

Psychological Evaluation

To diagnose adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is important that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not hide from fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and issues.

The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, such as a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person based on standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves but they do provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.

In addition to the patient interview and any 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 an individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas here where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the performance of a person.

Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.

If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation It is recommended for the person to seek out one who is specialized in adults with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is another excellent idea. You can also reach out to the local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the person should look for an alternative provider.