Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include the primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, and how they impact daily life. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one environment, such as school or at work.
Identifying symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for a long time but may not know that they suffer from a mental health condition. Others get a diagnosis after they discover that their productivity at work is declining or their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming for people in different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are some of the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among adults. Someone who suffers from ADHD may fidget during an audio lecture or waiting in line. They might forget things easily, or have trouble finishing tasks within the timeframe. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble relaxing and may become frustrated and emotionally tense easily.
In children, symptoms of ADHD are more apparent, but in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity might not be apparent. For instance when children are hyperactive, it may manifest as running or jumping around, but adults can display these symptoms more subtly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might be unable to sit still during long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also have issues with controlling their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded things. They might also have difficulty in deciding whether to resist temptation and delay gratification, which can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which could make it difficult for them to keep on top of their finances and their bills.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will review the person's medical, developmental and educational history and inquire regarding their current functioning. They can also talk to teachers, family members, or employers in order to understand a person's struggles.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when a person has multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple areas of a person’s life such as their school, job 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 examine your medical, family, and work histories to identify symptoms that fit these criteria. During this process, it is essential to be honest and honest with your healthcare provider regarding your issues since they can't diagnose you without the information. Some doctors will ask patients to ask family members, such as parents, spouses, or siblings, about the effect ADHD-related behavior has on their lives. This could help the person who is not suffering from 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 could depend on the specific situation but they are generally very similar to the symptoms that characterized ADHD in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to experience their symptoms in more intricate ways than children, and their symptoms have a greater impact on their work, social, and school life. For instance, people with ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children and they may experience difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
The doctor will conduct an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This will include an interview with yourself and any significant individuals who are in your life as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. Your family and you will be required to complete questionnaires about the symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any comorbidities they may have, such as anxiety or depression that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and underachievement which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can create an endless cycle of symptoms that are not treated for ADHD can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare up even more often. This can have a huge impact on your daily life which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and the other comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a healthcare specialist to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, an exhaustive medical history of the family, and an extensive review of documents. They will ask them to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will ask the person to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD typically do so due to the fact that their symptoms affect multiple aspects of their lives. They might not be able to be effective in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They might struggle in their relationships because they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic due to the fact that they don't pay attention to children or keep up with their chores.
It is important to note that many people who do not have ADHD have some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms. In brain imaging is essential to speak with a health professional and take a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment will include a detailed look at the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also want to speak with the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to obtain their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily life and relationships.
Additionally an expert in mental health will assess the individual by using a set of standardized tests that are designed to assess their cognitive capabilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can be used to determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study can be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to gain new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested to learn more, consult your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD are struggling to keep their balance at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying focused at work, and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they sit at their desk.
It's important for a doctor to take into consideration all these symptoms and how they impact the life of a person prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, while others are only struggling with particular areas, such as relationships or work. Symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all included in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A medical professional will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and take into account other factors that could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. For instance stress and head injuries, mood disorders or other injuries, certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical conditions could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to determine if a person has comorbidities like depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD could lead to these mental disorders and may make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic cause. Research suggests that as much as 80% of ADHD risk is inherited. A low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic causes that contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. For some, it gives an explanation for their struggles and others feel relieved knowing what's causing their challenges. This belief led to women's symptoms not being taken seriously 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.