Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment by psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have trouble in focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people.
People with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can be easily bored by monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it, especially when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They can also get bored quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They have trouble with money management which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may be unable control their time well and leave work frequently before they've finished. 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.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting down during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional performance could lead to financial problems and job loss.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see an primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a devastating experience for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. private adhd diagnosis uk cost may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms.
After a thorough examination and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or physician can diagnose adult adhd. This involves observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to navigating the work world and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's history must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have affected their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment and a thorough medical examination is required.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, request that they take tests to assess executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management skills.
Medical History
Many adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands were greater. Certain 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 in work or at home. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional might also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems staying organized, forgetting appointments or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight preterm births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is essential that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking since some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the various options for treatment. 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 may ask about participating in a study that studies new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in a variety of situations, including at home, school, and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues candidly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain an accurate picture of how the individual is doing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, for example, spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked what they would rate the person based on the standard scales of ratings which are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual struggles in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem that is being evaluated an evaluation expert may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specialized in adults suffering from ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary doctor for a referral, or contact the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information about their training and expertise in assessing adults with ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered a red flag and the person should seek another provider.