adult adhd diagnosis uk of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are useless for adults.
A thorough assessment by a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is often required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or not taking medication they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an overly emotional way and may have difficulty in focusing or interpreting the moods and behavior of other people.
Those suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without realizing particularly when people are talking. They are inattentive, and do not respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested or aloof. They can have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining details. This can lead to mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored quickly and look for new challenges or activities.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel like they're not keeping up with family and friends. They may struggle with managing their money and this can lead to impulse purchases and debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to follow the rules or complete paperwork in time to meet deadlines. They may be unable manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they have finished. They may be unable to get together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their tempers that are short and their inability to listen to others.
Adults suffering from ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, such fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their agitation may be more subtle, for example when they check their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during meetings. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and job loss.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care provider. They will review their symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health to conduct a further assessment. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants.
Family History
It can be devastating for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and aren't able to manage their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for things they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to have issues in their relationships, career or education.
A licensed mental health care doctor or professional can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough exam 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 history of the patient.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women and men, a lot of women are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms like trouble keeping track of information and staying focused and are less likely to display an impulsive 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 the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms usually persist throughout life. The person's history will reveal that the symptoms have been present from childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in other areas.
If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant a diagnosis, the clinician must look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination, a complete medical examination should be conducted.
There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a healthcare professional could give the patient a test in the office to test attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask them to perform tests to measure executive functions, such as planning, organization, and time management abilities.
Medical Histories
Some adults never get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms in childhood, they were misdiagnosed as kids or they did well until they reached adulthood, when the demands of their jobs or academics were greater. Others are diagnosed later in life because they see their problems becoming out of control in their relationships or work or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use, and other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
For adults, the primary symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattentive symptoms can cause problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. Impulsive and hyperactive behavior can result in problems managing anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.
Studies show that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors are linked to the development of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, and stress during the early years of childhood.
The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is important for the health care provider to know the other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional will talk to the patient about the options for medication available. The person suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they receive, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They can also ask about participating in a clinical trial for new treatment options for ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician 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 different environments, including home, school, or at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about these issues candidly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get the complete picture of how the individual is functioning and what problems they are having.
The evaluator is also able to interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, for example, spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked to evaluate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales based on research into how the behavior of people suffering from ADHD compare to people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves however they can provide valuable information about a person's challenges.
In addition to the patient interview and supplemental questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews in the workplace. These are used to determine areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic achievement as well as work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on an individual's functioning.
Depending on the condition being evaluated, the evaluator may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they do provide important information to the examiner that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
When seeking a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the client to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary doctor for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services such as a hospital that is a university or a graduate school of psychology for recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to provide information about their education and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the person should find another source.