Watch Out: What Diagnosing Adult ADHD Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Diagnosing Adult ADHDAdult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is typically required. It is possible to review the work or school records of the past. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have difficulty keeping on top of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of other people.
People with ADHD struggle to stay on track and easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new activities or challenges.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel that they're not keeping up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances and this can lead to impulsive purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are done. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch, or they might have trouble sitting still in meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can cause financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified medical professional or mental health professional can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also take into account a medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences.
A complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout one's the course of. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have affected their performance at school, work, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not sufficient to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems like mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam is required.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with a screening test to evaluate attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to test for executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming out of control in their relationships or work or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, in the workplace or at school, as as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in problems managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, driving in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health care professional to know which other medications a patient may be taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also ask about taking part in a clinical study for new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This is a formal interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator asks the person 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 assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who are familiar with them like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person based on standard ratings scales that are which are website based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. Often, these are the areas 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 evaluator that can help determine if there are co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary care physician for a referral or contact the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training for the evaluation of adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is a red flag and the patient should find a different service.