Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include a primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as the way they affect your the daily routine. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than just one environment, such as school or at work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for a long time however, they might not be aware that they suffer from a mental health issue. Others get a diagnosis after they realize that their work productivity is declining or that their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis could be a surprise but it can also feel overwhelming for those at different stages of life.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are a few of the most frequent ADHD symptoms among adults. For example, someone suffering from ADHD might fidget in their seat as they listen to a lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become angry and emotionally tense easily.
ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, while the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less evident in adults. For instance when children are hyperactive, it can manifest as running and running around, while adults can display these symptoms more subduedly through shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems being still during a long conversation or reading the book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also experience issues with impulse control. This could lead to risky behaviours, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might be unable to resist temptation and defergratification, 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 medical professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will examine a person's developmental, medical and educational history and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also speak with relatives and teachers to gain a better understanding of the struggles of a person.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and affect multiple 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 review your medical, family, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is crucial to be honest and forthcoming with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to interview loved ones, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, for example -- about the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear understanding of the issues their loved one faces and may help the relationship in the future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary depending on the situation, but they often look very similar to the behavior that was characteristic of the condition during childhood. Adults typically experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and these symptoms have more impact on their work, school and social life. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time the same way as children, and may have difficulty keeping relationships in place or finding jobs.
Your doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This includes an interview with yourself and any significant individuals who are in your life as well as 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 comorbid conditions they might suffer from, like depression or anxiety, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that are internalized as stress or anger. This can result in a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, which causes them to flare-up even more frequently. This can have a major impact on your life quality which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and the other comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a health care provider to determine if someone has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, taking a thorough family medical history, and reviewing documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD seek a diagnosis when they realize that their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. They might not be able to do well in meetings or miss deadlines at work. They may have difficulty in their relationships as they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in disarray due to their inability to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people who do not have ADHD have certain symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments may all trigger similar symptoms. As a result it is essential to speak with a health professional and to conduct a thorough evaluation.
A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak to the person's parents or spouse, or other close family members to find out their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily functioning.
A mental health professional may also use a series tests that are standardised to gauge the ability of a person's brain. 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 an individual has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in an experimental study to try out new treatments for ADHD. Although taking part in a trial may be beneficial, you should be aware that these studies are mostly designed to help you gain new knowledge in science and not to treat any particular health issues. If you're interested to learn more, consult your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. They may have difficulty keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting kids ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying on task in the workplace, and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they sit at their desks.
It is crucial for a doctor to consider the various symptoms and how they impact the life of a person prior to making a diagnosis of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD-related issues in multiple areas of their lives, while others only struggle with specific areas like relationships or work. get adhd diagnosis of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health professional will conduct a thorough mental evaluation and will consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For instance stress, head injuries, mood disorders and thyroid issues, certain medications, and other physical ailments could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD may lead to these psychiatric disorders and could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic component. It is well-known that ADHD is mostly hereditary, and research suggests that 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD include a low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For some, it provides an explanation for their difficulties and others feel relieved that they know what's causing their challenges. This belief system 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 share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.