Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they impact daily life. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than one place, like school or work.
Identifying symptoms
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for many years. However, they might not have realized they had a mental illness. Others receive a diagnosis when they notice their relationships or work performance are affected. A diagnosis can be a surprise but it can also be a source of anxiety for people at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. A person who suffers from ADHD may fidget during a lecture or wait in the line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or losing things easily. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble calming down and can become frustrated and emotional quickly.
In children, the signs of ADHD are more obvious however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may not be as obvious. In children, hyperactivity may manifest itself in jumping and running, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have difficulty sitting still when listening to a long conversation or reading an article.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses which can result in reckless behaviors like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also have trouble resisting temptation and delaying gratification. This can lead to issues at work or at home. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which can make it difficult for them to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A health care professional will perform an extensive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's present functioning and examine their medical background, educational and developmental history. They might also talk to family members, teachers or employers to get more insight into a person's struggles.
A person must have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they must impact various aspects of a person's life, like school, work or social life.
Medical Histories
The American Psychiatric Association has published diagnostic guidelines for ADHD within the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition" (DSM-5). Your doctor will look over your medical and family histories to identify symptoms that meet these criteria. During this process, you is crucial to be honest and honest with your health care provider about your concerns since they aren't able to diagnose you without that information. Some doctors ask patients to talk to family members, including parents, spouses, or siblings, about the impact ADHD-related behavior has on their lives. This will help the person with no ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It can also enhance the relationship between them.
ADHD symptoms in adults can vary depending on the situation however, they are usually very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults usually suffer from ADHD symptoms in a more complicated manner than children, and these symptoms can have more impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, people with ADHD may not be able to manage their time as well as children and they may have more difficulty finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
The doctor will conduct a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This involves an interview with you and any significant people in your lives, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. Additionally, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected you in your life.
When evaluating adults with ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any comorbidities they may have, such as depression or anxiety that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders are not treated, they could lead to feelings of anger and frustration which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of symptoms that are not treated for ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities that cause them to flare up even more frequently. This can have a huge impact on your quality-of-life which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and the co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider decides to determine if someone has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, complete family medical history and a thorough examination of medical records. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they realize that their symptoms affect many aspects of their lives. They might not be able to do well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They may have difficulty in their relationships because they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos because they aren't paying attention to children or manage their chores.
It is important to keep in mind that many people without ADHD also experience some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses can all trigger similar symptoms. It is crucial to seek advice from an expert and undergo a thorough evaluation.
adhd diagnosis for adults will include an in-depth look at the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to get their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily life.
In addition a mental health professional will evaluate the person using a series of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests can include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can determine if the person has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that an individual participate in clinical trials to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a trial can be beneficial, it is important to be aware that these studies are mostly designed to help you gain new knowledge in science and not to treat specific health problems. If you're interested in learning more, talk to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. They may be struggling to keep up with daily tasks such as cleaning the house or remembering to schedule and keep appointments, or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble keeping their focus in the workplace and may appear agitated or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desk.
Before determining ADHD it is essential that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's everyday life. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, while others only struggle with specific areas like work or relationships. The criteria for determining ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
A medical professional will conduct an exhaustive mental evaluation and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical conditions may also cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine whether a person suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to these mental disorders and may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator can also look into the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic component. It is widely known that ADHD is mostly hereditary and research suggests that about 70%-80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and premature birth are all factors that are not genetic which can contribute to ADHD.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering moment. For some, it gives an answer to their issues and for others, it brings relief that they know the root of their problems. Historically, the myth has been that only hyperactive boys are diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has led to women's symptoms being omitted 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 share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.