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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose than ADHD in children. The majority of symptom checklists for children are not useful for adults. Typically, a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or therapist is required. It is possible to look over previous work or school records. Friends, coworkers and family members may also benefit from counseling. Symptoms ADHD can cause problems at school as well as at work. They struggle to keep on top of their work and completing their deadlines. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments or medical instructions. They may be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medications they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty in focusing on conversations or “reading” the moods and behaviors of other people. Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily become bored with boring tasks. They are prone to daydreaming or “zoning out” without realizing, especially when others are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This makes them appear uninterested and aloof. They aren't able to follow directions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and a lack of work. They may also get bored quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks. Adults with ADHD have difficulty in relationships, and often feel they can't keep up with friends and family. They are troubled managing their money which can lead to excessive spending and a growing debt. Failure to follow rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They might not manage their time effectively and frequently leave work before they have completed. They may have a difficult to get along with colleagues or supervisors due to their erratic temper and inability to pay attention to the concerns of others. Adults suffering from ADHD don't show the same physical symptoms as hyperactive children, like fidgeting and tapping their feet. Their restlessness may be more subtle like checking their watches repeatedly or having trouble sitting down in a meeting. Their disorganized and sloppy work performance can lead to financial problems and job loss. A person who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to consult their primary healthcare provider. The doctor will assess the symptoms and recommend them to an expert in mental health for further evaluation. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medications that could 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 aren't able to manage their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, called “lazy”, “irresponsible” or “stupid” or blamed for things that they couldn't control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships or had difficulties in their work or education due to the signs. A qualified mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking an extensive history. This includes observing the patient's behavior in various settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the person. Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display inattention symptoms such as trouble keeping track of information and staying focused and are less likely to display hyperactivity or impulsiveness. These characteristics can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to navigate their work and in their relationships. It is essential to get a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The history of the person will reveal that the symptoms have been present since childhood and that they have affected their performance at work, school in relationships, and in other areas. If the symptoms of a patient are not severe enough for diagnosis, the doctor will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disorders. In Home to a psychiatric assessment as well as a thorough medical exam is required. There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the healthcare professional may give the person a screening test in the office to assess the level of concentration, attention, distraction and short-term memory. Or, ask them to test executive functions, such as planning, organization and time management skills. Medical Histories Some adults never get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed or managed with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point academic or occupational demands increased. Others are diagnosed later in life when they are noticing that their issues are getting hindering their working or in relationships or they seek help to manage their difficulties at home or at work. A doctor will review the medical history of the patient in order to determine whether there is a family or personal history that could indicate anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health care professional may also check for head injury, thyroid disorders, drug and alcohol use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, as well as hyperactivity. These problems can manifest at home, at work or at school, as in social situations. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. The symptoms of inattention can result in difficulty keeping track of appointments, not remembering them or having difficulty managing multiple tasks at work and home. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors could cause difficulties in managing anger or frustration, becoming impatient in waiting in lines, driving in traffic, or taking quick decisions. Research has shown that genetics of a person play a role in the development of ADHD. A number of non-genetic causes are also associated with ADHD. These include low birth weight, premature births, exposure to toxins like alcohol or tobacco while pregnant and stress during early childhood. Most of the time, symptoms are treated with medication like stimulants. It is essential for the health care provider to know the other medications the patient is taking, as some medicines may interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatric or a behavioral health professional can discuss with the patient the various options for treatment. A person with ADHD should inform their doctor about any other medical or psychological treatment they are receiving, such as self-help and talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical trial of new treatments for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation To diagnose adult ADHD, a professional psychologist will perform a psychological evaluation. This will include a psychotherapy interview as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will ask the individual about their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as home, school and work. It is crucial that a person being evaluated talk about the issues openly and without reluctance out of embarrassment or fear. This will enable the doctor to get an accurate picture of how the patient is performing and what issues they are facing. The evaluator may also speak to close family members or friends who know the person, like a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked to assess the person's behavior based on standardized rating scales that are based on research on how the behaviors of people with ADHD compare to those of those who don't have ADHD. These ratings are not considered diagnostic by themselves but they can provide important information about the individual and their issues. The evaluator may also look over other relevant documents, including reports and old grades or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to an individual's functioning. Depending on the problem being assessed, the examiner may decide to do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator to determine if there are any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety. If you are looking for a psychologist to conduct a psychological assessment it is beneficial for the client to seek out one who specializes in adults with ADHD. Asking the person's primary physician for a recommendation is a excellent idea. You can also contact a local mental clinic that provides ADHD services or a university-based graduate school of psychology for recommendations. Many insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialty. Professionals who are certified are more than willing to share information on their expertise and training in the evaluation of adult ADHD. A reluctance to do so should be viewed as a red flag, and the patient should find a different service.