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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists used for children are useless for adults. Typically, a thorough examination by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to go through the work or school records of the past. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling. Symptoms ADHD can cause problems at school and at work. They struggle to keep track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They lose things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have trouble focusing on conversations or “reading” the moods and behaviors of others. Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They are prone to “zone out” or daydream and not even realize it even when others are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, which makes them appear disinterested or uninterested. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and details. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are likely to look for new tasks or new challenges. Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they aren't able to keep up with their family and friends. They have trouble managing their money, which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Their jobs may suffer from their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are completed. They may be unable to get to get along with their coworkers and supervisors due to their erratic tempers and inability to listen to others. Adults with ADHD do not show the same physical signs as children with ADHD, such as tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their restlessness could be subtle like checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their unorganized and unprofessional work performance can cause financial problems and job loss. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. Additionally, the doctor will ask about their medical history and if they are taking any medications that may interact with stimulants. Family History If someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults it can be a shock to realize that they've been living with the condition for a long time and haven't been able take control of 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 experienced difficulties in their work or education due to the signs. A trained mental health professional or physician can identify adult adhd by conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various environments and gathering information from relatives, including family members and friends. The doctor must also consider the medical and family history of the patient. Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from the symptoms experienced by men. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details, and they're less likely to exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Women diagnosed with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences. Obtaining a full family history is crucial to diagnosing ADHD as an adult because the symptoms of the disorder generally continue throughout life. The history of the person should demonstrate that the symptoms have been consistently present from childhood and had a profound impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school, in their relationships and in other areas of his or her life. If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough to warrant diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like learning disorders and mood disorders. A thorough medical exam is required along with an evaluation of psychiatric disorders. There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to diagnose adhd in adults. The healthcare professional can give the person in their office a screening test to assess attention, distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to take tests to assess executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management. Medical History Some adults do not get an diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs in their early years, they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until they reached adulthood, when academic or occupational demands became greater. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues at work or at home. A doctor will look over the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that could indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A health professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person who suffers from these issues is at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. For adults, the signs are more likely to be evident as inattentive rather than hyperactive. The inattentive symptoms may result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty keeping track of multiple tasks at home and work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming anxious waiting in line, driving in traffic, or making quick decisions. Research has shown that genetics can play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also linked to ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth as well as exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, as well as stress during the early years of childhood. Often, a person's symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is crucial for the health care professional to know which other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will discuss the available medication options with the patient. A person with ADHD must inform their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, including self-help methods and talk therapy. They may also inquire about taking part in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation For diagnosing adult ADHD, a psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings like home, school and work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior and problems. The evaluator can also speak to individuals in the person's life who are familiar with them, such as their spouse, significant others, parents or siblings. They are asked to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales that are based on research into how the behavior of people with ADHD compare with those of people without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic however they can provide useful information regarding a person's difficulties. The evaluator also reviews other relevant documents, like reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations at work. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic achievement, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual. Based on the issue being assessed, the evaluator may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. diagnosing adhd won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with additional useful information that can be used to help determine the presence and severity of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety. It is important to find an experienced psychologist who has worked working with adults suffering from ADHD when you are looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. The primary physician of the patient to recommend a psychologist is another good idea. You may also inquire with a local mental clinic which offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. A majority of insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to provide information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is an indication that the person should seek another service.