Twenty Myths About Diagnosing Adult ADHD: Busted
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members, and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they need. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are likely to seek out new activities or new challenges.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They may have trouble managing their money, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They might not manage their time well and leave work frequently before they have completed. They may be unable to get along with their co-workers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom display obvious physical indicators of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. adhd adult diagnosis uk may be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care provider. The doctor will assess their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "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 medical 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 getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider a medical and family history of the patient.
Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from the symptoms experienced by males. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms like trouble staying focused and remembering details and are less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships because of these differences.
Obtaining a full family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout life. The history of the person should show that symptoms have been evident since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, school in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD The doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A complete medical exam should be conducted along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. However, the medical professional may offer the person a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, request that they test executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or professional lives became greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they are noticing that their issues are getting out of control in their working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or school, as well in social situations. For adults, the signs are more likely to manifest as inattention rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is important that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking as some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the various options available to the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a study that studies new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the individual about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as home, school and work. It is important that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hold back because of fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are experiencing.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse, significant others or parents or siblings. They are asked to assess the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in themselves, but they provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires The evaluator will typically examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual is struggling with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the person to seek out one who specializes in people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to share information about their training 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.