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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are useless for adults. Typically, a thorough evaluation by a therapist or psychologist is required. Past school or work records can be examined as well. Co-workers, friends and family members can also benefit from counseling. Signs and symptoms Someone with ADHD often experiences problems with school and work. They are unable to keep track of assignments and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or not taking medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have a difficult time paying attention to conversations or “reading” the moods and behavior of others. Those suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and may get bored easily by boring tasks. They are able to “zone out” or daydream without realizing, especially when other people are talking. They are inattentive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear uninterested or aloof. They may have difficulty keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This can lead to mistakes or work that is not completed. They also can become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges. Adults with ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel that they're not keeping up with their family and friends. They are troubled managing their money which can result in impulsive spending and mounting debt. Failure to follow guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can impact their work. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they are completed. They might have a difficult time getting along with co-workers or supervisors because of their temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others. Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle, such as constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during the course of a meeting. Their unorganized and messy performance at work can lead to job loss and financial troubles. A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary care provider. The doctor will assess their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medication 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 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 may have struggled with maintaining relationships, or faced difficulties in their education or careers due to the signs. After a thorough exam and a thorough history, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can make a diagnosis of adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings, and getting information from family members and close friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical and family history of the patient. Since the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than men, many women are left undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms such as trouble staying focused and remembering details and are less likely to exhibit excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. Women diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men in navigating the work world and their relationships due to these differences. It is essential to get an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, as the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The past of the individual must show that the symptoms have been present consistently since childhood and have had an impact on their performance at school, work as well as in relationships and in other areas. If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination as well as a thorough medical exam is required. There isn't a routine blood test or imaging test to detect adhd in adults. A healthcare professional can offer the person they are working with a screening test to evaluate 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 skills. Medical History Some adults aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs when they were children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point academic or occupational demands increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life when they realize that their problems are interfering with their relationships or work. Or they seek assistance to manage their issues in the workplace or at home. getting an adhd diagnosis will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there is a family history or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional will also be looking for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are identified by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as as in social situations. In adults, the signs are more likely to be recognizable as inattention rather than hyperactive. Inattention issues can result in difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having difficulty keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. The hyperactive and impulsive behavior could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions. Studies have revealed that genetics play a part in the development and severity of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also connected to ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant and stress in early childhood. Most of the time, symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is important that the health care professional knows what other medications the patient is taking because certain medications interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional will discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments. Psychological Evaluation A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the person about their behavior, symptoms and functioning in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly, without holding back from embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems. The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, for example, spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how they would rate the person using standardized ratings scales which are based upon research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD with those without ADHD. These ratings are not diagnostic by themselves however they can provide important information about the person's challenges. In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These are used to identify areas where the individual struggles, such as academic performance, work performance and social interactions. In most cases they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD most impact the functioning of an individual. Depending on the problem that is being assessed the evaluator may decide to conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with important information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues such as depression or anxiety. It is important 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. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is a beneficial idea. You may also inquire with the local mental clinic that offers ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. There are many insurance plans that have lists of providers according to specialty. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red flag, and the patient should seek another provider.