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Diagnosing Adult ADHD The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing a child. The majority of the symptom checklists for children are useless for adults. Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through past school or work records. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling. Symptoms ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They tend to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of other people. People with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or “zoning out” without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They can have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This could lead to errors or incomplete work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks. Adults with ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they aren't able to 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 job may suffer because of their inability to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are finished. They might have difficulty getting to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to other people. Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, for instance when they check their watch or having difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can cause financial problems and loss of jobs. A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. The doctor will assess their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. The provider will also ask about the patient's medical history as well as whether they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants. Family History When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've been living with the disorder for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called “lazy,” “irresponsible” or “stupid,” or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships, or experienced 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 an extensive history. This should include observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from family members such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the patient. Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from the symptoms experienced by males. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to exhibit excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have more trouble than men with managing their work and in their relationships due to these differences. It is crucial to collect a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have affected their performance at school, work in relationships, and in other areas. If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, the clinician should investigate the presence of other conditions that can coexist with ADHD and can cause similar issues, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). diagnosing adhd adults should be conducted in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders. There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, the healthcare professional could give the person a screening test in the office to assess attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. Or, ask him or her to test executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills. Medical History Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were mistakenly diagnosed as children, or they managed fairly well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Other adults are diagnosed later in life when they notice their problems getting hindering their relationships or work or they seek assistance in managing their problems at home or at work. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to determine if there is a family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders as well as alcohol or drug abuse, and other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Adults with ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in difficulty managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic or making quick decisions or becoming impatient. Studies have shown that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic causes are connected to the development of ADHD. This includes low birthweight and premature births and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco while pregnant, and stress in the early years of childhood. Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications like stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric professional or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the medication options available. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they receive, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also ask about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to diagnose adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview and a 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 from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain the complete picture of how the patient is functioning and what problems they are experiencing. The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person on the standard scales of ratings based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide valuable information about a person's issues. The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to identify the areas in which an individual is struggling in areas such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the performance of a person. Depending on the issue that is being examined the evaluator may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. These tests do not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to find a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You can also contact a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers that are based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information about their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to share this information should be seen as a red flag, and the person should find another source.