Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are not suitable for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and get bored easily by monotonous tasks. They can easily "zone out" or drift off into a dream without even realizing even when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They aren't able to follow instructions and remembering details, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They may also become bored with a task quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships and often feel they're not keeping up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their jobs. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and frequently leave work before they're done. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
In contrast to the rambunctious, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom show obvious physical indicators of activity, such as fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down during meetings. Their unorganized and messy work habits can lead to job loss as well as financial troubles.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants.
Family History
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to manage their lives. adhd diagnosis uk adults 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 face difficulties in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from relatives such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the individual.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details and are less likely to display excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in managing their work and their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a an impact on their performance at work, in school as well as in their relationships in other areas of their life.
If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will have to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disorders. A complete medical exam should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation.
Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to assess attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They may also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or they managed well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Certain adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems affect their relationships or work, or they seek assistance to manage their issues in work or at home. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to look for any family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A health care professional may also check for head injury, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments which can cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention can cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies have shown that genetics can be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also linked to ADHD. This includes low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is crucial that the health professional knows what other medications the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will discuss the options for medication with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the individual to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various situations, including at home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly without hiding because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a full picture of how the person is functioning and what problems they are facing.
The evaluator may also interview individuals in the person's life who know them well, such as their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using standard ratings scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic, but they do provide important information about the person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where the person struggles, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD have the greatest impact on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
adhd diagnosis uk adults is important to find a psychologist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient for a recommendation is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local mental health clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training in evaluating adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red-flag and the person should look for another source.