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Diagnosing Adult ADHD The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults. A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to go through previous work or school records. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and acquaintances. Signs and symptoms Someone with ADHD frequently has problems with school and work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and meeting 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 are also more likely to react to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or “reading” the behavior and moods of others. Those with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and become bored easily with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or “zoning out” without even realizing it particularly when people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, which makes them appear disinterested or uninterested. They have difficulty following directions and remembering details which can result in mistakes and a lack of work. They may also get bored quickly and want to try new challenges or activities. Adults with ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their finances, which can lead them to impulse purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently quit work before they are done. They may 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 don't show the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, such tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle, such as checking their watches frequently or having trouble sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss and financial problems. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to talk with their primary care physician. He or she will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional for further evaluation. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants. Family History When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a devastating experience to discover that they've lived with the disorder for a long time and have been unable to take control of their lives. They may have experienced embarrassing situations, been called “lazy,” “irresponsible” or “stupid,” or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms. A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This should include observing the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from significant others, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual. Because the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty staying focused or remembering details. They are less likely than men to display hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These characteristics could make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships. It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms are usually present throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had a a profound impact on the person's performance at school, at work, in their relationships and in other aspects of their lives. If a person's symptoms aren't severe enough to meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD the doctor must determine if there are other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders, learning disorders or addiction disorders (Austerman 2015). A thorough medical examination should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation. There is no routine imaging test or blood 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 test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory. They may also request that they test executive functions like organizing, planning and time management skills. Medical Histories Many adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands increased. Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after they realize that their problems interfere with their relationships or work, or they seek help to manage their difficulties at the workplace or at home. A doctor will review 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 professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments that may cause similar symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, being impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions. Studies show that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. Many non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress during early childhood. Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking since some medicines interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will go over the various options available to the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They can ask about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This involves a consultation with a clinician and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like home, school and work. It is crucial that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not shy away out of fear or embarrassment. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and any issues. The evaluator could also talk to people in the person's life who know them well like their spouse or significant other, parents or siblings. They are asked how they would rate the person on standardized ratings scales based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD as compared to those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they provide valuable information about the person and their issues. In addition to the patient interview and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually look over relevant documents like old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These are used to identify areas where an individual is struggling, such as academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. Often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the performance of a person. Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis won't directly diagnose ADHD but they can give the evaluator important information that can be used to determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety. It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults with ADHD when looking for a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral or visit a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share details about their expertise and training for the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to provide this information should be seen as a red flag, and the person should find another provider.