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Diagnosing Adult ADHD Finding out if an adult suffers from ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not appropriate for adults. A thorough evaluation with psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist is usually required. It is possible to look over past school or work records. Co-workers, friends and family members may also benefit from counseling. Symptoms ADHD can cause issues at school and at work. They have difficulty keeping the track of deadlines and assignments. They are prone to losing things, forget appointments and medical instructions. They can be impulsive and put at risk their health by skipping meals or avoiding medication that they require. They also tend to overreact to stress and have a difficult time focusing on conversations or “reading” the moods and behaviors of other people. Those suffering from ADHD are unable to stay focused and can easily get bored with monotonous tasks. They are more likely to be distracted or “zoning out” without realizing, especially when others are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them appear indifferent or aloof. They have trouble following instructions and remembering details which can lead to mistakes and incomplete work. They also become bored with tasks quickly and are more likely to seek out new activities or challenges. Adults with ADHD often have trouble with relationships and feel they're not keeping up with their families and friends. They struggle with managing money, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Their job may suffer because of their inability to adhere to rules and complete paperwork, as well as meet deadlines. They may also be unable to manage their time effectively and often quit work before they are done. They may have a difficult working with coworkers or supervisors due to their short temper and inability to pay attention to other's concerns. Adults suffering from ADHD do not display the same physical signs that are seen in hyperactive children, like tapping their feet and fidgeting. ADHD Diagnosis may be more subtle, like, by repeatedly checking their watch, or they might have difficulty sitting still during a meeting. The lack of organization and poor performance could lead to financial problems and job loss. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of ADHD should see a primary care doctor. They will examine the symptoms and refer them on to a mental health professional. In addition, the professional will inquire about their medical history and if they are taking any medication that could interact with stimulants. Family History It can be devastating for adults to discover that they've suffered from ADHD for years, and are unable to control their lives. They could have been in embarrassing situations, labelled “lazy”, “irresponsible”, or “stupid”, or blamed for things that they couldn't control. They may have had difficulty maintaining relationships, or experienced difficulties in their careers or education because of the symptoms. After a thorough exam and a thorough history of the patient, a qualified medical professional or mental health professional can determine if the patient has adult adhd. This includes observing the person's behavior in various situations and obtaining information from significant others such as family members and friends. The physician should also consider the medical and family history of the person. Many women are misdiagnosed since the symptoms of ADHD in women differ from those in men. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to exhibit inattention symptoms such as trouble being focused and retaining information and are less likely to exhibit an impulsive or hyperactivity. These characteristics can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to navigate the workplace and their relationships. It is important to obtain a complete family history when diagnosing ADHD in adults, since the symptoms are usually present throughout life. The person's history should show that symptoms have been present from childhood and have had an impact on their functioning at work, in school, in relationships, and in various other areas. If the symptoms of a patient are not sufficient to warrant diagnosis, the physician will need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disorders. In addition to a psychiatric examination and a thorough medical examination is required. In general, there isn't a routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. However, the medical professional may offer the patient a test in the office to evaluate attention, concentration, distractibility and short-term memory, or ask him or her to take tests to assess executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management abilities. Medical History Many adults don't get diagnosed with ADHD because their parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms as children, so they were misdiagnosed, or they adapted with ease until they reached adulthood, at which point the demands of their jobs or academics increased. A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, when they realize that their issues affect their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems in work or at home. A doctor will look over the person's medical history to find any family or personal history of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. A health care professional will also check for thyroid disorders, head injuries, drug or alcohol use as well as other physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. The person is affected at home, at work, or school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to experience symptoms of hyperactivity, as opposed to inattention. Inattention issues can result in problems staying organized, forgetting important appointments, and having trouble managing multiple tasks at home and work. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors can cause problems managing anger or frustration, and can result in being impatient waiting in line or driving in traffic, or making rapid decisions. Studies have shown that a person's genetics 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 birth as well as exposure to toxins such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and stress in the early years of childhood. Often, a person's symptoms are treated by medication like stimulants. It is crucial that the health care professional knows the other medications that the patient is taking since certain medicines interact with stimulants. A psychiatric specialist or a behavioral health professional can talk to the patient about the options for medication available. People 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 about participating in a clinical study for new treatment options for ADHD. Psychological Evaluation To determine if an adult suffers from ADHD A professional psychologist will conduct a psychological examination. This is a formal interview and a review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person to describe their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in various settings, such as school, home and at work. It is essential that the person being evaluated is honest about the issues and does not hold back because of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues. The evaluator can also interview close family members or friends who are familiar with the person, like spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. They are asked what they would rate the person using the standard scales of ratings that are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from 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 difficulties. In addition to the interview with the patient and any additional questionnaires the evaluator is expected to look over relevant documents like old report cards, grades or copies of performance evaluations in the workplace. They are used to pinpoint areas where the person is struggling, for example, academic performance as well as performance at work and social interactions. Most often, these are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the functioning of an individual. Depending on the problem being assessed, the evaluator may decide to do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disability testing. These tests will not directly diagnose ADHD but they will provide the evaluator with useful information that can be used to determine the presence and severity of any co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to locate a psychologist with experience with adults with ADHD when seeking the help of a psychologist for a psychological assessment. It is recommended to ask your primary health care provider for a referral or call a local mental health clinic offering ADHD services and a hospital affiliated with a university or a graduate school of psychology to get recommendations. Many insurance plans have the list of providers arranged by specialization. Professionals with the right qualifications are more than willing to share information about their training and expertise in evaluating adults with ADHD. Refusal to share the information is viewed as a red-flag and the patient should seek an alternative provider.