Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include a primary care provider psychologist, psychiatrist or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they affect daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than one setting such as school or work.
Identifying signs
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for years but might not be aware that they suffer from an illness of the mind. Many people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their work performance is declining or their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a revelation but it can also feel overwhelming for people at different stages of life.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are a few of the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among adults. For example, someone suffering from ADHD may flitter around in their chair while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They might also have trouble getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. People suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily.
In children, signs of ADHD are more evident however, in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may not be as obvious. For example, in children, hyperactivity can manifest as running and jumping around, whereas adults might display these signs more subduedly through shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they may be unable to sit still during long conversations or reading the book.
Adults with ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses which can result in taking risks, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties with organization. This can make it difficult for them to keep up with their bills or finances.
A health care professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will examine a person's developmental, medical and educational history and inquire about their current functioning. They might also talk to family members as well as teachers or employers to get a better understanding of the challenges a person faces.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when the person suffers from multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and have an impact on several aspects of a person's life such as their school, job or social life.
Medical History
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 go over your personal, family, medical and work history to identify symptoms that meet these criteria. It is important to be honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask patients to ask family members, including parents, spouses or siblings, about the impact ADHD-related behaviors have on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual gain a better understanding the challenges that their loved ones are facing. It can also enhance the relationship between them.
ADHD symptoms in adults may depend on the specific situation but they are generally very similar to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. Adults often experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and these symptoms have an impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be able to manage their time as well as children, and they may experience more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
For the purpose of diagnosis your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any comorbidities they may have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they could lead to feelings of frustration and underachievement which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can create a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, which causes them to flare up more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your daily life and therefore it is essential to address the ADHD and co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider wants to determine whether someone has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological assessment. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, complete medical history of the family and a thorough review of documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD seek a diagnosis when they realize that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. They might not be able to do well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They could be having issues in their relationships if they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they are unable to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is important to note that many people who do not have ADHD experience similar symptoms. A variety of factors can cause similar problems, including stress, other mental health issues and physical illnesses. In this regard it is essential to consult a health care professional and take a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment may also include a thorough examination of the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse or other family members to find out their perspective on the person's behavior and how it has affected their daily functioning.
Additionally an expert in mental health will evaluate the person by using a set of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive capabilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes mental health professionals recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the primary purpose of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health issue. If you are interested in knowing more about clinical trials, speak with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
check this site out who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at 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 keeping their focus at work, and may appear agitated or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desks.
Before diagnosing ADHD, it's important that a doctor examine all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's everyday life. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, whereas others only struggle with one area such as work or relationships. Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health care professional will conduct an extensive mental assessment and consider other factors that could trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical conditions may cause similar symptoms. It's important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can lead to these mental disorders, and they may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator can also look into the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic component. Research has shown that up to 80 percent of ADHD risk is inherited. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure during pregnancy to toxins and premature birth are all non-genetic causes which can contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For some, it offers an explanation for their difficulties and for others, it brings relief that they know what's causing their challenges. The traditional belief was that only hyperactive boys can be diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to many women's symptoms being ignored for a long time. 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.