• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in a child. The majority of the checklists for symptom identification used by children are not appropriate for adults.

A thorough assessment by psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to review the work or school records of the past. Counseling can be beneficial for coworkers, family members and friends.

Symptoms

A person who has ADHD frequently has problems in school and at work. They struggle to keep the track of their assignments and completing their deadlines. They frequently lose things and forget appointments and medical instructions. They might even be impulsive, risking their health by skipping meals or avoiding medications they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have difficulty focusing on conversations or "reading" the moods and behavior of others.

Those with ADHD are prone to having difficulty staying focused and get diagnosed for adhd bored easily by monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or "zoning out" without even realizing it and especially when other people are talking. They tend to be unresponsive and don't respond to questions, making them seem indifferent or aloof. They have difficulty following instructions and recalling specifics which can result in mistakes and incomplete work. They also become bored quickly and are more likely to look for new tasks or new challenges.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships, and often feel they aren't keeping up with friends and family. They may have difficulty managing their money, which can lead them to make impulsive purchases or incur debt. Their work may suffer due to their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also not be able to manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they're done. They might have difficulty getting together with their coworkers and supervisors because of their short tempers and inability listen to other people.

Adults with ADHD do not display the same physical symptoms as children with ADHD, such as fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle like checking their watches repeatedly or having difficulty sitting still in the course of a meeting. Their sloppy and disorganized performance at work can lead to job loss as well as financial troubles.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should consult an primary care physician. He or she will assess the severity of their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. In addition, the provider will ask about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that interact with stimulants.

Family History

It can be a devastating experience for adults to learn that they have lived with ADHD for a long time and are unable to manage their lives. They may have suffered through embarrassing situations, have been labelled "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. These issues could have led them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.

After a thorough exam and a detailed history of the patient, a qualified mental health professional or doctor can diagnose adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various settings and getting information from significant others such as family members and friends. The doctor should also take into account the medical history and family history of the individual.

Because the symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, many women are left undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs like difficulty being focused or retaining information. They are less likely than men to display excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. These differences can make it difficult for women with ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships.

It is important to obtain an entire family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms usually persist throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been consistently present since childhood and have had an enormous impact on the individual's functioning at work, in school as well as in relationships in other aspects of their life.

If a person's symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of adhd in adults of ADHD the doctor should look into the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and cause similar problems, such as mood disorders as well as learning disorders and substance use disorders (Austerman, 2015). A complete medical exam should be conducted in addition to a psychiatric evaluation.

There is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adults with adhd. However, a medical professional may offer the person a screening test in the office to evaluate the ability to focus, attention, distractibility and short-term memory, or request that they perform tests to measure executive functions, like organizing, planning and time management skills.

Medical History

Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers didn't recognize the signs as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted well until adulthood, when the demands on their academic or work life increased. Others are diagnosed later in life when 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 look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there is any family or personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. A health care specialist will also look for head injuries, thyroid disorders and alcohol or drug use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.

In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, in the workplace or school, as well as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity as opposed to inattention. The inattentive symptoms may cause difficulty 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 result in problems managing anger, frustration or impatience while waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or becoming impatient.

Studies have shown that genetics of a person are a factor in the development of ADHD. There are a variety of causes that are not genetic and are also associated with ADHD. These can include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to toxins like smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress during early childhood.

The majority of times, the symptoms are treated by medication such as stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know which other medications the patient is taking, as certain medications may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will go over the available medication options with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as talk therapy and self-help techniques. They may ask about participating in a clinical study for new medication treatments.

Psychological Evaluation

A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological examination to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This is a formal interview and review of relevant documents. The person being evaluated is asked to describe their behavior and symptoms as well as their performance in different situations, including at home, school, or at work. It is essential that the person being assessed talks about these issues in a candid manner and does not hide because of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the person's behavior and any issues.

The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouses, significant others parents, siblings, or parents. These individuals are asked how are adults diagnosed with adhd they would rate the person using standard ratings scales that are which are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with 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 issues.

The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, like old report cards and grades or copies of evaluations of performance at work. These are used to identify areas where an individual is struggling, for example, academic performance, work performance and social interactions. These are typically the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are the most significant on the individual's performance.

Depending on the problem that is being assessed, an evaluator might decide to perform additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine whether or not there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety.

If a person is looking to hire a psychologist do a psychological evaluation, it is helpful for the client to find one who is specifically trained to treat people with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient for a recommendation is another good idea. You can also contact the local mental clinic which offers ADHD services, or a university-based or graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans offer an array of providers arranged by specialization. Qualified professionals are more than willing to share details about their experience and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be viewed as a red flag and the person should look for another provider.