Diagnosing Adult ADHD

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in a child. Most symptom checklists used in children are not suitable for adults.

A thorough assessment by an therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist is typically required. The records from previous school or work can be examined as well. Friends, coworkers and family members can also benefit from counseling.

Signs and symptoms

A person who has ADHD often experiences problems at school and at work. They are unable to keep on top of deadlines and assignments. They lose things, miss appointments and medical instructions. They might be impulsive and endanger their health by skipping meals, or avoiding medication that they require. They are more likely to react to stress in an excessively emotional manner and have difficulty focusing or reading the moods and behaviours of other people.

Those with ADHD have trouble staying on track and easily get bored by boring tasks. They can easily "zone out" or daydream without realizing even when others are talking. They are often inattentive and don't respond to questions, making them seem uninterested or aloof. They may have difficulty remembering instructions and particulars. This could result in mistakes or incomplete work. They can also get bored with a task quickly and seek out new opportunities or tasks.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in relationships and often feel they're not keeping up with friends and family. They are troubled managing their money, which can lead to impulsive spending and mounting debt. Inability to adhere to rules, complete paperwork and meet deadlines could affect their work. They may be unable manage their time well and often leave work before they've finished. They may have difficulty getting along with their co-workers and supervisors due to their short tempers and inability listen to others.

Contrary to the rambunctious hyperactive children that are often seen in classrooms, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely show obvious physical signs of activity, such as tapping their feet or fidgeting. Their restlessness can be subtler and include constantly checking their watches or having trouble sitting still during the course of a meeting. The lack of organization and poor work performance can cause financial problems and job loss.

Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of ADHD is advised to speak with their primary care physician. He or she will assess their symptoms and refer them on to an expert in mental health. The physician will also inquire about the patient's medical history and whether they are taking any medication that might affect stimulants.

Family History

When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as adults, it can be devastating to discover that they've lived with the condition for a long time and haven't been able take control of their lives. They might have been in embarrassing situations, been called "lazy," "irresponsible" or "stupid," or been blamed for problems they couldn't help. The symptoms could have led them to have issues in their relationships, careers, or education.

A licensed mental health care specialist or doctor can diagnose adult adhd after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and taking a thorough history. This includes observing the person's behavior in different situations and obtaining information from significant others such as family members and friends. The practitioner should also consider the medical and family history of the person.

Many women are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD for women differ from those of men. Women with ADHD tend to display inattention signs like difficulty keeping track of information or staying focused. They're less likely than men to exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Women who are diagnosed with ADHD generally have more difficulties than men with dealing with the workplace and their relationships due to these differences.

Obtaining a full family history is essential for diagnosing ADHD as an adult since the symptoms of the disorder typically persist throughout one's the course of. The past of the individual will reveal that the symptoms have been present consistently from childhood and have affected their functioning at work, in school, in relationships, and in other areas.

If the symptoms of a patient aren't sufficient to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD the doctor should investigate the presence of other conditions that are often associated with ADHD and can cause similar issues like mood disorders, learning disorders or substance use disorders (Austerman 2015). A complete medical exam should be conducted in addition to an evaluation of psychiatric disorders.

There is no routine imaging test or blood test that can be used to diagnose adult adhd. A healthcare professional can offer the person they are working with an assessment test to determine attention to distraction and short-term memory as well as concentration. They can also ask them test for executive functions, such as organizing, planning and time management skills.

Medical History

Many adults never receive a diagnosis of ADHD because their parents or teachers did not recognize the symptoms during their childhood, and they were misdiagnosed as kids or did well until they reached 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 interfere with their relationships or work. Or they seek help to deal with their problems in the workplace or at home. A doctor will review the medical background of the patient to determine whether there is a family history or personal history that indicates anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. A health professional can also examine for head injuries thyroid disorders, head injuries as well as alcohol and drug use, or other physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.

In adults, the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The person experiences these difficulties at home, at work or school, and in social settings. Adults are more likely than children to suffer symptoms of hyperactivity versus inattention. Inattention-related symptoms can lead to difficulties in staying organized, ignoring important appointments, and having trouble keeping track multiple tasks at home and at work. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk and hyperactive behavior can lead to difficulty managing anger, frustration or irritability while waiting in line, in traffic, making quick decisions, or simply being impatient.

Research has shown that a person's genetics play a role in the development of ADHD. In addition, a number of non-genetic factors contribute to the development of ADHD. These include low birth weight and premature births as well as exposure to toxins such smoking cigarettes or alcohol during pregnancy and stress in the early years of childhood.

Symptoms are often treated with stimulants. It is important for the health professional to know which other medications a patient may be taking, as certain medications can interact with certain stimulants. A psychiatrist or behavioral health professional will talk about the options for medication with the patient. Anyone suffering from ADHD should tell their doctor about any other psychological or medical treatment they are receiving, such as self-help methods and talk therapy. They can also inquire about participating in a clinical trial for new medication treatments.

Psychological Evaluation

A psychologist who is a professional will conduct a psychological assessment to diagnose adult ADHD. This involves a consultation with a clinician as well as a thorough review of relevant documents. The examiner will inquire of the person about their behavior, symptoms, and how they function in different settings such as school, home and at work. It is important that a person being evaluated discusses these issues honestly, without holding back out of embarrassment or fear. This will allow the doctor to obtain a complete picture of the individual's functioning and problems.

The evaluator can also interview close family members or acquaintances with the person, such as spouses, significant others, parents, or siblings. These individuals are asked to rate the person's behavior using standardized rating scales based on research on how behaviors of people suffering from ADHD compare to those of people without ADHD. These ratings aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they can provide valuable information about the person and their difficulties.


In addition to the interview with the patient and additional questionnaires, the evaluator will usually review relevant documents such as old report cards, grades or copies of performance reviews from the workplace. These documents are used to determine the areas where individuals struggle with academic performance, work performance and social interactions. Most often they are the areas where the symptoms of ADHD are most detrimental to the performance of a person.

Depending on the problem that is being examined an evaluation expert may choose to take additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information to the evaluator that can help determine if there are co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.

If a person is looking to hire a psychologist conduct a psychological assessment, it is helpful for the client to choose a psychologist who is specifically trained to treat adults with ADHD. Contacting the primary doctor of the patient to recommend a psychologist 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 for recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have lists of providers according to specialization. Professionals who are qualified will be more than happy to provide information about their training and experience in assessing adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be seen as a red flag and the person should look for another source.