Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. The records from previous school or work could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They have lost things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering specifics. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They also become bored quickly and are likely to look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Failure to follow the guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often leave work before they're finished. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults with ADHD do not show obvious physical indications of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor work habits can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care doctor. They will review their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to take control of their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician must also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details as well as being less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to managing their work and their relationships because of these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The past of the individual should show that symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders and learning disorders. A complete medical exam should be conducted along with the psychiatric examination.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. They may also ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management abilities.
Medical History
Some adults do not receive an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at the home, at work or at school, as well in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in problems controlling anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Research has shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is crucial for the health professional to know what other medications a patient may be taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also ask whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator will ask the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator may also interview individuals in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, such as reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on the individual's performance.
Depending on the problem that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as anxiety or depression.
If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.