How to Diagnose an Adult With Attention Deficit Disorder

Overview

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a mental condition that can interfere with a person's concentration and spark hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, thus affecting normal brain function. Many people believe that ADD begins during childhood; however, it can be diagnosed during adulthood. The disorder in adults is different from attention deficit disorder in children: adults display more problems with concentration, which can impact their work productivity. However, while it is possible to identify possible ADD symptoms, only a doctor can give the official diagnosis.

How to Diagnose an Adult with Attention Deficit Disorder

Step 1

Obtain a copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV, the psychology standard for diagnosing disorders. The manual contains all of the diagnostic requirements for ADD in adults. To qualify as a disorder, the symptoms must interfere in the person's daily life and have a significant impact on the person's work productivity. According to the DSM-IV, patients must have six symptoms of inattention and six symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness. In addition, these symptoms must be present for at least six months and appear in two or more settings.

Step 2

Identify any inattention symptoms. According to the authors of "Adult ADD/ADHD," inattention symptoms are more severe in adults with ADD than in children with the condition. Symptoms include trouble following conversations, being easily distracted, zoning out, finding it impossible to finish a task and being forgetful. In addition, organization is also affected, such as being cluttered and messy, procrastinating and losing things.

Step 3

Identify any hyperactivity symptoms. Hyperactivity symptoms of ADD in adults include being bored, irritable, restless, nervous energy, incessant talking and feeling that quiet activities are impossible. In addition, some patients may fidget or have problems staying still.

Step 4

Identify any impulsive symptoms. Adults with ADD will have problems controlling their impulses. In decision making, patients will make sudden decisions or have problems listening to others. Adults with ADD will also have issues relating to others, such as having trouble following a conversation, interrupting others, blurting out regrettable things and answering a question before it has been completely asked.