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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults. Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records may be reviewed as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling. Symptoms ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They might even be impulsive and risk their health by not eating or avoiding medications they require. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or “reading” the moods and behaviors of other people. Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and can be easily bored by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or “zoning out” without realizing it, especially when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and do not answer questions, making them appear uninterested or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details which can result in errors and insufficient work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look for new tasks or problems. Adults with ADHD often have difficulty with relationships and feel they cannot keep up with their family and friends. They may have difficulty managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time well and frequently leave work before they've completed. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others. In contrast to the rambunctious hyperactive children in classrooms, adults suffering from ADHD rarely show obvious physical indications of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still in meetings. The lack of organization and poor performance could lead to financial problems and loss of jobs. A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will examine the symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as if they are taking any medications that could affect stimulants. Family History It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover they've been suffering from ADHD for years, and aren't able to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, been called “lazy,” “irresponsible” or “stupid,” or been blamed for issues they could not help. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their education or careers because of the symptoms. A qualified mental health care specialist or doctor can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a comprehensive history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from family members, including family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the individual. Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those of males. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These variations 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 since the symptoms of the disorder generally persist throughout the course of one's life. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been evident since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, in school in relationships, and in other areas. If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that often coexist with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and addiction disorders (Austerman, 2015). In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination is required. There isn't a standard blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a screening test in the office to evaluate the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory, or ask him or her to test executive functions like planning, organization and time management skills. Medical Histories Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs as children, and they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until they reached adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Others are diagnosed later in life because they are noticing that their issues are getting hindering their working or in relationships or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These issues can manifest at the home, at work or at school, as in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and at work. Hyperactive and impulsive behavior can result in difficulty managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or simply being impatient. Studies have revealed that genetics influence the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. This includes an infant's weight that is too low, a premature birth as well as exposure to toxins such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood. The majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is essential that the health professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking as certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. The person suffering from ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a research study to test new treatment options for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This includes a clinical interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as at home, school and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is doing and what issues they are facing. 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 based on standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves, but they do provide important information about the person's challenges. In addition to the patient interview and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to examine relevant documents, such as old report cards and grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the person struggles, such as academic achievement, 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. Based on the issue that is being evaluated the evaluator may choose to take additional psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disability tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they do provide valuable information to the person evaluating to determine if there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression. It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience with adults with ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a good idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans have an array of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals who are qualified are more than willing to provide information about their experience and training in evaluating adult ADHD. A refusal to participate should be viewed as a red flag and the patient should seek out a different provider.