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

Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify than ADHD in children. The majority of the symptoms checklists for children do not work for adults.

A thorough assessment with an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is usually required. Work or school records could be reviewed, too. Counseling can be beneficial to coworkers, family members and friends.

Symptoms

A person with ADHD frequently has problems at school and at work. They have trouble keeping track of assignments and completing deadlines. They often lose things and forget appointments or medical instructions. They may even be impulsive, putting at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication they need. They also have a tendency to react too strongly to stress and have difficulty paying attention to conversations or "reading" the behavior and moods of others.

Those suffering from ADHD have trouble staying on task and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are prone to "zone out" or daydream without realizing that they are talking. They are unresponsive, and don't respond to questions. This can make them appear bored or uninterested. They may have trouble keeping track of instructions and retaining specifics. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They also can become bored quickly with their work and are more likely to look criteria for adhd diagnosis new activities or new challenges.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time forming relationships and often feel like they aren't keeping up with family and friends. They may struggle with managing their finances, which can lead them to impulsive purchases and debt. Inability to adhere to guidelines, complete paperwork and meet deadlines can affect their job. They might not manage their time well and leave work frequently before they are finished. They may have a hard working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short 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 tapping their feet and fidgeting. Their agitation may be more subtle, for instance, by repeatedly checking their watches, or they might have difficulties sitting still during meetings. Their unorganized and unprofessional work habits can result in financial issues and job loss.

Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. The doctor will evaluate the severity of their symptoms and refer them to an expert in mental health. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about their medical history and whether they are taking any medication that may interact with stimulants.

Family History

It can be a traumatic experience for adults to discover they've suffered from ADHD for a long time, and are unable to control their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, called "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid" or blamed for events they couldn't control. The symptoms may have caused them to experience difficulties in their relationships, careers, or education.

A qualified mental health care doctor or professional can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough exam of the patient and taking a thorough history. This involves observing the patient's behaviour in different settings, and obtaining information from family members and close friends. The doctor must also consider the medical history and family history of the individual.

Many women are misdiagnosed as having ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD in women are different than those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information, and they're less likely to display an impulsive or hyperactivity. Women getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD typically have more difficulty than men when it comes to dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.

It is essential to get the complete family history prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults, because the symptoms typically persist throughout the course of life. The person's past should prove that the symptoms have been present since childhood and have had an impact on the individual's functioning at school, at work, in their relationships and in other areas of their lives.

If the symptoms of a patient aren't severe enough for diagnosis, the physician must look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example learning disorders and mood disorders. In addition to a psychiatric assessment, a complete medical examination is required.

Generally, there is no blood or routine imaging test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. A healthcare professional can offer the person in their office a screening test to assess attention to distraction, short-term memory and concentration. They can also ask them to test for executive functions such as planning, organizing and time management.

Medical History

Some adults never receive the diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers didn't recognize the signs during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until adulthood when the demands on their academic or professional lives were greater. Some 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 review the medical history of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that suggests anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health specialist will also look for thyroid disorders, head injuries and alcohol or drug use and other physical ailments which can trigger similar symptoms.

Adults with ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work or at school, and in social settings. In adults, the symptoms are more likely to manifest as inattentive rather than hyperactive. The symptoms of inattention could cause problems organizing, forgetting appointments, or having trouble managing multiple tasks at work and home. Hyperactive and involuntary behavior can result in problems controlling anger, frustration, or impatience when waiting in line, in traffic taking quick decisions, or being impatient.

Research has shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. Additionally, a variety of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birthweight, premature births, exposure to toxins like smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in the early years of childhood.

The majority of times, the symptoms are treated with medications such as stimulants. It is essential that the health care provider knows what other medications the patient is taking because certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric or behavioral health professional will talk about the available medication options with the patient. Patients with ADHD should inform their physician of any other mental or medical treatment they receive, for example self-help methods or talk therapy. They can also inquire whether they are interested in participating in a clinical study for new treatments for ADHD.

Psychological Evaluation

A licensed psychologist will conduct a psychological assessment to determine the presence of adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a review of relevant documents. The evaluator will question the person to describe their behavior, symptoms and performance in different settings such as at home, school and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated discuss these issues honestly without hiding out of embarrassment or fear. This will help the doctor gain a complete understanding of the individual's performance and issues.

The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who know the person, for example, a spouse, significant other parents, siblings, or parents. They are asked how they would rate the person using standardized ratings scales that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those without adhd diagnosis and resources. These ratings aren't diagnostic by themselves however they can provide important information about the person's challenges.

The evaluator will also review other relevant documents, such as old grades and report cards or copies of performance evaluations from work. These documents are used to identify the areas where individuals struggle in areas such as academic performance, work performance, and social interactions. These are often the areas where the symptoms of ADHD have the most impact on the functioning of an individual.

Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator might decide to conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests won't directly diagnose ADHD but they will give the evaluator valuable information that can be used to help determine the severity and presence of any co-existing issues like depression or anxiety.

It is essential to locate a psychologist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD when looking for the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is also a good idea to ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic that provides ADHD services, a university-based hospital or a graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have lists of providers based on the area of expertise. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information on their education and experience in evaluating adults suffering from ADHD. A reluctance to do so is a red flag, and the patient should find a different service.