It's Time To Forget Diagnosing Adult ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
Diagnosing Adult ADHDAdult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children do not work for adults.
Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Family members, friends, and coworkers members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
Someone with ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and completing deadlines. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They can also be impulsive and risk their health by avoiding meals or avoiding medication they need. They often react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of other people.
Those with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or "zoning out" without realizing it particularly when people are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They may have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their families and friends. They may struggle with managing their money which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also be unable to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they're finished. They may be unable to get together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in a meeting. The lack of organization and poor work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care provider. He or she will assess the symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover that they have lived with ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or even blamed for events they weren't able to control. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the symptoms.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This should include observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from family members, including family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the patient.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs such as trouble being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with dealing with the workplace and in their relationships due to these differences.
It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should here investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination is required along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, the healthcare professional could give the person a screening test in the office to test the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the symptoms as children, they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming in the way of work or relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the person's medical history to look for a family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at the home, at work or school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and at work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems controlling anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions.
Research has shown that genetics be a factor in the development and severity of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know which other medications a patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the options for medication available. Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including self-help methods or talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a research study to test new medication treatments.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This will involve a psychotherapy interview and review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discuss the issues openly and without reluctance from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is performing and what issues they are facing.
The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that use research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare with those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas in which an individual struggles with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is crucial to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when seeking a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask the person's primary care physician for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers according to the area of expertise. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share information about their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red flag and the person should find another provider.