This Is The Diagnosing Adult ADHD Case Study You'll Never Forget
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Finding 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 suitable for adults.
A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. The records from previous school or work can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Symptoms
A person with ADHD often has issues with school and work. They are unable to keep the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they require. They often react to stress in an excessively emotional way and have trouble being able to focus or reading the moods and behaviors of others.
Those with ADHD struggle to stay focused and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested and aloof. They may have trouble following instructions and remembering particulars. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They also become bored quickly with their work and are likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their families and friends. They struggle with money management, which can result in excessive spending and a growing debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may not be able to control their time well and leave work frequently before they've completed. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people.
In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom exhibit obvious physical indicators of activity, like fidgeting or tapping their feet. Their restlessness could be subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized work performance can contribute to job loss and financial troubles.
A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should visit a primary care doctor. They will examine their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. In how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , the professional will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to discover that they've lived with the condition for years and haven't been able to take control of their lives. They may have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible", or "stupid" or blamed for events they were unable to control. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and gathering information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family histories of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than the symptoms experienced by men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These variations can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and in their relationships.
It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had an enormous impact on their performance at school, at work as well as in their relationships in other areas of their life.
If a person's symptoms aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that can 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 examination, a complete medical examination is required.
There is no routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person they are working with a screening test to evaluate attention and distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions such as organizing, planning and time management.
Medical History
Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their teachers and parents didn't recognize the signs as children, they were misdiagnosed or they managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands on their academic or work life increased. Others are diagnosed later in life when they notice their problems getting in the way of work or relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is an individual or family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also examine for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol and drug use or other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These difficulties can be experienced at home, at work or at school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior can cause problems managing anger or frustration, being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making quick decisions.
Studies have shown that genetics can influence the development and severity of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These can include an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during early childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care professional is aware of any other medications the patient is taking as certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the various options available to the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a study that studies new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings like at home, school and at work. It is crucial that the person being assessed discusses these issues honestly and does not shy away because of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor get a complete picture of the individual's performance and any issues.
The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, like spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic however they can provide valuable information about a person's difficulties.
In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires The evaluator will typically look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These are used to determine areas where the individual is struggling, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most affect an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being assessed, the examiner could decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine whether or not there are any co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask your primary health care provider for a referral, or visit an area mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school of psychology to get suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information on their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide the information is viewed as a red flag and the person should find an alternative provider.