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Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and friends.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. I Am Psychiatry struggle to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they need. They are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and may get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing that they are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not respond to questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are likely to look for new tasks or challenges.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in relationships and feel that they aren't able to keep up with their friends and family. They may struggle with managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time effectively and often leave work before they are finished. They may have a hard time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom display obvious physical signs of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance constantly checking their watch or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit an primary care physician. The doctor will assess their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medication that might be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They might have been in 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 due to the symptoms.
A trained mental health doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD for women are different than the symptoms experienced by males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men in dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a profound impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. A complete medical exam should be performed along with the psychiatric examination.
In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional may offer the person who is in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions, such as planning, organizing and time management.
Medical History
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs as children, they were misdiagnosed or managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries or alcohol and drug abuse or other physical ailments that can trigger similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention could cause difficulty organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can result in problems managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth and exposure to toxic substances such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the options for medication available. A person with ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also ask about participating in a clinical trial for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different situations, including at home, school, and work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discusses the issues openly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the person's behavior and any issues.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, such as spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research on how behaviors of people with ADHD compare with those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they provide important information about the individual and their difficulties.
The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like old grades and report cards or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to identify areas where the individual is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas in which the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Based on the issue being assessed, the evaluator could decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional useful information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults suffering from ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary care physician for a referral or contact an area mental health clinic that offers ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialty. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information is viewed as a red flag, and the person should look for another provider.
