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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults. Typically, a thorough examination by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends. Signs and symptoms ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep track of deadlines and assignments. They often lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they require. They tend to react to stress in an overly emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviors of others. People with ADHD can have difficulty staying focused and can become bored easily with monotonous tasks. They are susceptible to daydreaming or “zoning out” without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They are not attentive and do not respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining particulars. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They may also become bored quickly and seek out new challenges or activities. Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances which could lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their job. They may be unable control their time well and frequently leave work before they have completed. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others. Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be more subtle, for example when they check their watches or having difficulty sitting still during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could cause financial problems and loss of jobs. A person experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and recommend them to a mental health professional to conduct a further assessment. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that could 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 condition for years and haven't been able to manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled “lazy”, “irresponsible” or “stupid”, or blamed for events they weren't able to control. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education. After a thorough examination and a detailed medical history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behaviour in different settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual. Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those in men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. These differences could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships. A complete family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood because the symptoms of the disorder usually continue throughout life. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the person's performance in school, at work as well as in relationships in other aspects of his or her life. If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders and learning disorders, or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, a complete medical examination must be conducted. There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to determine adhd in adults. However, a healthcare professional may give the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or request that they test executive functions like planning, organization, and time management skills. Medical History Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, and they were misdiagnosed or managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Some adults are diagnosed later in life when they see their problems becoming in the way of working or in relationships, or they are seeking assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health care professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to be evident as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behaviors can cause difficulties managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient. Studies have shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood. Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medication such as stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know the other medications a patient is taking, since certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the medication options available. Patients suffering from ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, including talk therapy or self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a research study to test new treatments for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a clinical interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and functioning in various settings, such as home, school and work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the patient is performing and what issues they are facing. The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic, but they do provide important information about the person's difficulties. IamPsychiatry may also look over other relevant documents, including old report cards and grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to pinpoint the areas where an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. In most cases these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning. Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the person evaluating that can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety. If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological examination it is beneficial for the person to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is recommended to ask the person's primary care physician for a referral or call an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialization. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek out a different service.