Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough evaluation with a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. adhd diagnosis uk adults or work records can be examined as well. 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 trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble paying attention to conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying 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 not attentive and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They also can become bored quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel like they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They struggle with managing money and this can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may be unable control their time well and often leave work before they have finished. They may have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely show obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for example when they check their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their inept and unorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial problems.
Anyone who is who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care physician. They will review the symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, labelled "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for things they were unable to control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties 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 involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those of males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. These characteristics can make it difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder usually persist throughout the course of one's life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have affected their performance at school, work in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician will have to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam must be conducted.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also ask him or her to test executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers were not aware of the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues interfere with their work or relationships or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to look for a family or personal history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. A health care specialist will also look 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 impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or at school, and in social settings. adhd diagnosis uk adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can result in problems managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during early childhood.
The treatment for symptoms is usually stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a clinical interview and a review of pertinent documents. The evaluator will ask the person about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hold back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a full picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic by themselves but they provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These documents are used to identify the areas where an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning.
Depending on the issue that is being examined an evaluation expert may decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD however they can give the evaluator important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialization. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to provide information about their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be considered an indication that the patient should find a different provider.