![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
Diagnosing Adult ADHD Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults. Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends. Symptoms ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they need. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of other people. People with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily become bored with boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream and not even realize it, especially when other people are talking. They tend to be inactive and do not respond to questions, which makes them appear indifferent or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They may also get bored quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their friends and family. They struggle with managing money which can result in an impulsive spending habit and the accumulation of debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may also not be able to effectively manage their time and often leave work before they are completed. They may have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others. Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, like constantly checking their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could lead to financial problems and loss of jobs. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary healthcare provider. They will review the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. In addition, the provider will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants. Family History When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to gain control of 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. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their work or education because of the symptoms. After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from relatives, including family members and friends. The physician must also consider the medical and family history of the patient. Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men when it comes to navigating the work world and their relationships because of these differences. A complete family history is critical for diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout the course of one's life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have affected their performance at work, in school as well as in relationships and in other areas. If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD, the clinician should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). In https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment to a psychiatric assessment and a thorough medical examination is required.
Medical Histories Some adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as children or did well until adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they notice their problems getting out of control in their work or relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional can also look for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injury or alcohol and drug abuse, or other physical illnesses which can cause similar symptoms. Adults with ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or school, as well as in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors may cause difficulty controlling anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or taking rapid decisions. Research has shown that a person's genetics influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during the early years of childhood. Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. People with ADHD should inform their physician of any other medical or mental treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in various settings, such as at school, home, and at work. It is important 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 a complete picture of the person's behavior and problems. The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, such as spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person using standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they do provide valuable information about the person and their challenges. In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically examine relevant documents, such as old report cards, 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 the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on an individual's functioning. Depending on the problem that is being evaluated the evaluator may decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or tests for learning disabilities. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they can provide the evaluator with additional important information that can be used to determine the existence and severity of any co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety. It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You can also reach out to a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on specialty. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to share information about their training and experience in evaluating adults with ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red-flag and the patient should seek another source. |
