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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults. A thorough evaluation with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to review past school or work records. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends. Signs and symptoms ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and meeting deadlines. They frequently lose things, and they forget appointments and medical instructions. They may even be impulsive and risk their health by avoiding meals 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 behavior and moods of other people. People with ADHD struggle to stay on task and can easily get bored by boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or “zoning out” without realizing and especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and aren't able to respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They can have difficulty following instructions and remembering details. This could lead to errors or work that is not completed. They may also get bored quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks. Adults with ADHD struggle with relationships, and often feel like they can't keep up with friends and family. They may have trouble managing their finances, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Failure to follow the rules, complete paperwork, and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may not be able to manage their time well and leave work frequently before they are completed. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to listen to others' concerns. Contrary to the boisterous, hyperactive children seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD do not show obvious physical indications of activity, like tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness may be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during a meeting. Their inept and unorganized work performance can contribute to job loss as well as financial troubles. A person who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will review the 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 if they are taking any medication that could affect stimulants. Family History When people are diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock 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 may have been in embarrassing situations, called “lazy”, “irresponsible” or “stupid” or even blamed for things they were unable to control. They might have had trouble maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the symptoms. A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and gathering information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family histories of the patient. Since the symptoms of ADHD are different for women than men, many women go undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms, such as difficulty being focused and retaining information as well as being less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships. It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The history of the person must show that the symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have affected their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas. If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. A complete medical exam should be performed along with a psychiatric evaluation. There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person who is in their office an assessment test to determine attention, distraction short-term memory, and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions like organizing, planning and time management. Medical Histories Many adults never get the diagnosis of ADHD because their teachers or parents did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood, when academic or occupational demands were greater. Others are diagnosed later in life, because they see their problems becoming in the way of relationships or work or they seek assistance to deal with their issues at home or at work. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that indicates depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for head injuries, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms. In adults, the most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work, or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattentive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may cause problems keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of various tasks at home and at work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can lead to problems managing anger, frustration, or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or becoming impatient. Studies show that genetics of a person influence the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood. Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking since certain medicines 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 psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatment options for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation For diagnosing adult ADHD A professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator asks the person to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different environments, including school, home, and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly without hiding from embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the person is performing and what issues they are experiencing. The evaluator may also interview people in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse or significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standard rating scales that use research into how the behavior of those with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide important information about the person's challenges. The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to determine areas where the person struggles, such as academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual. Based on the issue being assessed, the examiner might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to find a psychologist with experience working with adults with 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 care physician for a referral or contact the local mental health clinic offering ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. IamPsychiatry are more than willing to provide information on their experience and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be considered an indication that the patient should find a different service.