Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to co-workers, family members and acquaintances.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They have difficulty keeping track of deadlines and assignments. They have lost things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They often react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of others.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and recalling specifics which can lead to errors and insufficient work. They may also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new challenges or activities.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel that they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They are troubled with managing money which can lead to an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may not be able to manage their time well and frequently leave work before they have finished. They might have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to others' concerns.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness can be subtler like checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down in meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial problems.
A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history as well as whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to realize that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able to gain control of their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for things that they weren't able to control. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The physician should also take into account the medical and family history of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These differences can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The past of the individual should show that 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 diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical exam should be performed in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional may offer the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their issues interfere with their relationships or work. Or how to get an adhd diagnosis uk seek help to manage their difficulties at the workplace or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. The person experiences these difficulties at the workplace, at home or school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the options for medication available. adult adhd diagnosis uk suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will perform a psychological evaluation. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of situations, including at home, school, or at work. It is important that the person being evaluated talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and problems.
The evaluator can also speak to people in the life of the person who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that are based on research on how behaviors of those with ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual.
Based on the issue that is being assessed, an evaluator might decide to perform additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the client to find one who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral, or contact the local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans have a list of providers organized by specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red flag and the person should look for another provider.