Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This might include an primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they interfere with daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one setting, such as work or school.
Identifying Symptoms
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time. However, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental illness. Some people are diagnosed after they notice that their work productivity is declining or their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can be a bit overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. People who suffers from ADHD might flutter their arms while listening to a lecture or wait in line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things easily. Additionally, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become angry and emotional quickly.
ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity may manifest itself in jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have difficulty sitting still when listening to an extended conversation or reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle with impulse control which can result in reckless behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They might be unable to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to issues at work or home. diagnosis adhd with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which can make it hard for them to keep on top of their finances and their bills.
A health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will review a person's developmental, medical and educational background and inquire about their current performance. They may also speak with family members and teachers to gain an understanding of the struggles of a person.
A person must have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and must affect several areas of a person’s life, such as their work, school, or social life.
Medical Histories
The American Psychiatric Association publishes diagnostic guidelines for ADHD in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition" (DSM-5). Your doctor will look over your medical, family, and work histories to identify symptoms that match these criteria. It is important to be honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask patients to interview family members, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, about the effect the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved one faces and may help the relationship in the near future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many look very similar to the behaviors that characterized the condition in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to experience their symptoms in more intricate ways than children do, and their symptoms are more affecting their work, social and school life. Adults suffering from ADHD may not be able manage their time in the like children and may have difficulties keeping relationships in place or finding jobs.
The doctor will conduct an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This involves an interview with yourself and any significant individuals in your life, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. Additionally to this, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you in your life.
When evaluating adults with ADHD in the same way, it's important to take into consideration any comorbid conditions they might have, such as depression or anxiety that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of frustration or underachievement which can be internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare up more often. This can have a profound impact on your quality of life, so it is crucial to treat both complicacies and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, a complete medical history of the family, as well as looking over documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how it affects their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD seek a diagnosis when they realize that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. Their work may suffer because of missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could have issues with their relationships if they don't pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic due to their inability to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children.
It is important to remember that many people without ADHD also suffer from certain symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. In this regard it is essential to seek out a health care expert and conduct a thorough evaluation.
A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth examination of the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also want to speak with the person's spouse, parents or other family members to find out their perspective on how the person's behavior affect their daily lives and relationships.
Additionally, a mental health professional will assess the individual with a series of standard tests that measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests may include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests will help to indicate whether or not the person has symptoms of ADHD.
Mental health professionals may suggest that a person participate in a study to determine whether or not they are ADHD-prone. While participating in a trial can be beneficial, you should understand that these studies are primarily designed to gain new scientific information and not to treat particular health issues. If you're interested in knowing more, speak to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many people who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their workplace or at home. They may be struggling to keep up with daily tasks like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting kids ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying focused in the workplace and may appear agitated or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desks.
It is crucial for a doctor to consider all of these symptoms and how they impact the person's life prior to making an assessment of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD in many areas of their lives, whereas others have only one problem such as work or relationships. Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A health professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and also consider other elements that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It's important to determine if someone is suffering from comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD may result in these psychiatric conditions and could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic component. It is widely known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that around 70% to 80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is inherited. Other non-genetic factors that can cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight or exposure to toxins in pregnancy or having a premature birth.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. Many people are relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles. Some are relieved they understand what is causing their issues. This belief system led to women's symptoms not being considered serious for too long. This is the reason why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and to share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.