From All Over The Web From The Web: 20 Awesome Infographics About Diagnosing Adult ADHD
From All Over The Web From The Web: 20 Awesome Infographics About Diagnosing Adult ADHD
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Diagnosing Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptom checklists for children do not work for adults.
Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. Work or school records can be examined as well. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members, and acquaintances.
Symptoms
ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They are unable to keep the track of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They may be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional way and may have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can get bored easily by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They are unresponsive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear bored or uninterested. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering particulars. This could result in mistakes or work that is not completed. They also become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or problems.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they can't keep up with friends and family. They may struggle with managing their finances which could lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are finished. They might have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to other people.
Adults with ADHD don't show the same physical signs as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle like checking their watches frequently or having difficulty sitting still in a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and loss of jobs.
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should consult a primary care provider. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them to a mental health professional. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's medical history and if they are taking any medications that could be incompatible with stimulants.
Family History
It can be a traumatic experience for adults to learn that they've been suffering from ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for issues they could not help. They may have struggled with maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their careers or education due to the signs.
After a thorough exam and a detailed history A qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This should include observation of the person's behavior in different environments and gathering information from significant others such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into consideration the medical and family history of the person.
Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD for women are different from those in males. Women with 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 differences can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and their relationships.
The complete family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder typically continue throughout the course of. The person's history should show that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had a an enormous impact on the individual's functioning in school, at work as well as in relationships in other areas of his or her life.
If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disorders. A thorough medical examination should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to perform tests that measure executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.
Medical History
Some adults never get the 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 adulthood when the demands of their jobs or academics increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they notice their problems getting out of control in their working or in relationships, or they are seeking 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 care professional may also check for head injury thyroid disorders, head injury, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at home, at work or school, as well in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as being inactive rather than hyperactive. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to problems with staying organized, missing important appointments, and having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can result in difficulty managing anger, frustration, or impatience while waiting in line, driving in traffic, making quick decisions, or being impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births as well as exposure to toxins such alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress in the early years of childhood.
Symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know which other medications a patient may be taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and their symptoms as well as how they function in different situations, including at school, home, and at work. It is important that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not shy away from fear or embarrassment. This more info will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and issues.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, a spouse, 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 those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic in their own right, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.
The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as performance at work and social interactions. In most cases, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact an individual's functioning.
Depending on the problem being evaluated, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the person to seek out one who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician to recommend a psychologist is another beneficial idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer a list of providers organized by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications will be more than happy to provide information on their training and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered a red flag and the person should seek another provider.