20 Misconceptions About Diagnosing Adult ADHD: Busted
Diagnosing Adult ADHDFinding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not appropriate for adults.
Typically, a thorough assessment by a psychologist or therapist is required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD often has issues in school and at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and meeting deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.
People with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and get bored easily by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are often inattentive and do not respond to questions, making them seem disinterested or uninterested. They have trouble following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new opportunities or tasks.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel they're not keeping up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their money which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and leave work frequently before they've finished. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Adults suffering from ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watch or having difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their sloppy and disorganized work habits can lead to job loss and financial troubles.
Anyone who is who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. They will examine their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This should include observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from family members such as family members and friends. The practitioner must also consider the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in males. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They're less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on their performance in school, at work as well as in their relationships in other aspects of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the doctor must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disorders. A complete medical exam should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They may also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management skills.
Medical Histories
Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children or they did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. Some adults are diagnosed later in life, because they are noticing that their issues are getting out of control in their relationships or work or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will examine the medical history of the patient in order to determine if there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These issues can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention could result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them, or having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress during the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial for the health care provider to know what other medications the patient is taking, since certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the medication options available. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may ask about participating in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior, symptoms, and functioning in a variety of settings, such as at school, home, and at work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away from fear or embarrassment. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
The evaluator could check here also talk to people in the life of the person who know them well like their spouse, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked what they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they provide important information about the individual and their challenges.
In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle with 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 that is being assessed, an evaluator might choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing issues such as anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to do a psychological evaluation it is beneficial for the person to seek out one who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask your primary doctor for a referral or to call an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to specialization. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information on their training and expertise in evaluating adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek an alternative provider.