Why is ADHD sometimes difficult to diagnose in adults?
For one thing, there is no single, simple test that can determine if a person has ADHD. Second, the hyperactivity that often helps with the diagnosis in children is usually not present in adults. An accurate diagnosis can be made only by a trained clinician after an evaluation. Some primary care physicians who treat adults do not have significant experience with ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
People who wonder about whether they have ADHD can gather some information by completing questionnaires or by studying lists of symptoms. A good Internet site for information about ADHD resources in local areas is Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, www.chadd.org. If you suspect you may have ADHD, you should talk with your physician or a behavioral health specialist about your condition.
How can an employer know if an employee has ADHD?
You can’t be certain about an employee’s condition without a thorough evaluation. If an employer is concerned that an employee may have ADHD, it can employ the services of an EAP (employee assistance program).
EAP specialists usually have experience with ADHD, can screen for the disorder and can recommend a more extensive examination when indicated.
Because adults who have ADHD may not know that they have it, they may think of themselves as lazy or have low self-esteem. If they are properly diagnosed, they may find relief in knowing that there is a reason for their actions and that help may be possible. It can often make a very significant difference in their personal and professional lives.
What are the most effective ways to treat ADHD?
A comprehensive, team approach to ADHD is considered the best treatment for adults. The treatment team would consist of the person with the condition, several health care professionals, a spouse or significant other and other people close to the employee.
Types of treatments could include behavioral therapy, medication, support and education, including marital and individual support groups and skill training.
Stimulants are the most common medications used in ADHD treatment in adults. They have been shown to help with focus and reduction of hyperactivity. Because they are short-acting (lasting less than 12 hours a day), because of their status as controlled substances and the potential side effects, their use requires close collaboration between the employee and his or her physician.
James Schuster, M.D., MBA, is chief medical officer at Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Services Division. Reach him at (412) 454-2153 or [email protected].
