There's A Reason Why The Most Common Diagnosing Adult ADHD Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You May Think
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD are unable to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are able to "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They may also become bored quickly and look for new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel like they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They have trouble managing their money, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are completed. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to others' concerns.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for example when they check their watches or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial difficulties.
adhd uk diagnosis who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. They will examine the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to gain control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from significant others such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These variations could make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is crucial to collect the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school, in their relationships and in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. A complete medical exam is required in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids, or they managed fairly well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting in the way of relationships or work or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity 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 versus inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble keeping track of various tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to difficulties controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress in early childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They may also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide because of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they can provide useful information regarding a person's issues.
In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated, an evaluator might choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults with ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the person's primary health care provider for a referral or to call the local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the person should look for another source.