Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary health care practitioner psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and quantity of symptoms, as well as the way they affect your everyday life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than just one place, like school or at work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for years, but they might not be aware that they suffer from a mental health issue. Some people are diagnosed after they discover that their productivity at work is declining or that their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis could be a shock however it can also be a source of anxiety for those at different stages of life.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are among the most frequent ADHD symptoms among adults. A person who suffers from ADHD might flutter their arms while listening to a lecture or wait in the line. They might also have trouble finishing tasks 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 obvious, but in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear less obviously. In children, hyperactivity can manifest itself in jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They might also have problems staying still while listening to an extended conversation or reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also experience issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded things. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay the gratification and this can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling organizing their lives, which can make it difficult to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A health professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational history, and ask questions regarding their current functioning. They may also speak with relatives, teachers or employers to gain an understanding of the struggles of a person.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and must affect several areas of one's life, including their job, school 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 look over your medical, family, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is essential to be honest and transparent with your doctor about your symptoms since they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to interview loved ones -- spouses, parents, or siblings, for example -regarding the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It also may help the relationship in the near future.
ADHD symptoms in adults may vary depending on the situation but they are generally very similar to the symptoms that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults typically suffer from ADHD symptoms in a more complicated manner than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their school, work and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD might not be capable of managing their time like children, and they may have more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
For adhd adult diagnosis will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. In addition you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you in your life.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as anxiety or depression that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment, which are internalized as stress or anger that is persistent. This can result in a vicious circle where the untreated symptoms of ADHD exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, causing them to recur more often. This can have a significant impact on your quality-of-life and therefore it is essential to address the ADHD and the comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider decides to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, taking a thorough medical history of the family, and looking over documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on scales of rating and questionnaires that are standardised.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they notice that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. They might not be able to perform well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They could be having issues in their relationships if they don't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in disarray because they fail to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children.
It is important to recognize that many people who do not have ADHD have some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments can all cause similar symptoms. It is important to seek advice from a professional and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment will provide a detailed look into the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also wish to talk with the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
In addition a mental health professional will evaluate the person by using a set of standardized tests that measure their cognitive abilities. These tests could 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 determine if an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Mental health professionals may suggest that a person participate in a trial to test whether or not they are hyperactive. While participating in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to acquire new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested in knowing more, consult your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD struggle to maintain stability at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with their daily chores such as cleaning the house or remembering to make and keep appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying focused in the workplace, and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desk.
Before determining ADHD, it's important that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, while others have issues in just specific areas like relationships or work. Signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all considered in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A health care professional will perform a thorough mental evaluation and also consider other elements that could trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical ailments could cause similar symptoms. It's important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can lead to these mental disorders and may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator may take a look at the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic element. It is well-known that ADHD is largely heritable, and research suggests that about 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is inherited. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic causes which can contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. Many people are relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles. Others are relieved that they know what is causing their problems. This belief system led to women's symptoms not being considered serious for a long time. This is why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.