Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
ADHD Diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they impact everyday life. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than just one setting such as school or at work.
Identifying symptoms
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for years but may not know that they have a mental health condition. Some people are diagnosed when they discover that their relationships or work productivity are suffering. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but can be a bit overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. For instance, a person with ADHD might squirm in their chair while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait their turn in line. They might also have trouble getting their work done on time or losing things easily. Those with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
In children, signs of ADHD are more apparent, but in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may not be as obvious. For example when children are hyperactive, it may manifest as running and running around, while adults might display these signs more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems sitting still when listening to long conversations or reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty with impulse control which can result in reckless behaviors like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also have difficulty resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can lead to problems at home or work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which could make it difficult to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They will ask about the person's current functioning and look over their medical, educational and developmental history. They may also speak to family members, teachers or employers to better understand the person's struggles.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when a person has multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. 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 school, job 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 review your medical and family records to determine whether you match these criteria. In this process, it is crucial to be honest and honest with your health care provider about your problems because they aren't able to diagnose you without the information. Some doctors request their patients to interview family members -- spouses, parents or siblings, for example -- about the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This will help the person with no ADHD gain a better understanding the challenges their loved ones face. It could also help improve the relationship.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary according to the situation, but a lot of them appear very similar to the behaviors that characterized the condition during childhood. One of the main differences is that adults typically suffer from their symptoms in more intricate ways than children, and their symptoms are more affecting their social, work and school life. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time the same way as children and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or finding an employment.
Your doctor will perform an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This involves an interview with you and any significant people in your lives, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires on symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any other comorbid conditions they may suffer from, like depression or anxiety that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of frustration or unfulfillment which can be internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can lead to an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause flare-ups to occur more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your daily life, so it's important to treat the ADHD and the co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a health care provider to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, taking a thorough medical history of the family, as well as reviewing documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on scales of standardization and questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD do so when they observe that their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their life. They may be unable to perform well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They may have difficulty in their relationships as they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they don't pay attention to their children or manage their chores.
It is crucial to remember that many people without ADHD also experience certain symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms. It is essential to seek the advice of an expert and get a thorough examination.
A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth examination of the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak to the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily life.
Additionally, a mental health professional will assess the individual with a series of standard tests designed to measure their cognitive abilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can be used to determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes mental health professionals may suggest that an individual participate in a clinical trial to try out new treatments for ADHD. Although participating in a trial could be beneficial, you must be aware that these trials are primarily designed to gain new information in the field of science, not to treat any specific health problems. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, consult with your doctor or go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many people who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their workplace or at home. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks such as cleaning the home or remembering to make appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time keeping their focus in the workplace and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they sit at their desk.
It is essential for a doctor to take into consideration all of these symptoms and how they affect the person's life prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. Some people have ADHD-related problems in multiple areas of their lives, while others have issues in just one area such as work or relationships. The criteria for determining ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
A health care professional will perform an exhaustive mental evaluation and also consider other elements that could trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine whether a person has comorbidities like anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD may lead to these psychiatric disorders, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator may take a look at the family history of ADHD to see if there is a genetic element. Research suggests that as much as 80% of ADHD risk is passed down through the family. Low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors which can contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. Some people feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles. Others are relieved that they know what is causing their issues. This belief led to women's symptoms not being taken seriously 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.