Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include a primary care provider psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and number of symptoms, as well as how they affect 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 Symptoms
Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time but might not be aware that they suffer from a mental health condition. Some people are diagnosed after they realize that their work productivity is suffering or that their relationships are struggling. 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 common ADHD symptoms among adults. For instance, someone suffering from ADHD may flitter around in their seat as they listen to an educational lecture at work, or have trouble waiting for their turn in line. They may forget things easily, or have trouble finishing tasks in time. In addition, those with ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become frustrated and emotionally tense easily.
ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest itself in jumping and running and jumping, while adults can display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could have difficulty sitting still during long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded items. They might also find it difficult 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 track of their finances or their bills.
A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and look over their medical, educational and developmental history. They may also speak with relatives, teachers or employers to get an understanding of the challenges a person faces.
A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and they must affect many areas of one's life like school, work, 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 go over your personal, family medical and work histories to identify symptoms that match these requirements. It is crucial that you are honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to speak with family members -- spouses, parents, or siblings, for instanceto discuss the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It also could help their relationship in the future.
ADHD symptoms in adults can differ based on the circumstances but they are generally very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults tend to suffer from their symptoms in more complicated ways than children and their symptoms can are more affecting their work, social, and school life. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time in the like children and may have difficulties keeping relationships in place or finding an employment.
Your doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This includes an interview with you and any significant individuals in your life, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. Additionally, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected your life.
When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD as a group, it is important to take into consideration any comorbid conditions they might have, such as depression or anxiety, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders are not addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can lead to an unending cycle of ADHD symptoms can worsen underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare-up even more often. This can have a major impact on your daily life and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and the other comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
If a healthcare professional decides to determine if someone has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a thorough interview of 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 then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they observe that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. Their work might suffer because of the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They might struggle in their relationships as they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic due to the fact that they don't pay attention to children or manage their chores.
It is important to recognize that many people who do not have ADHD suffer from similar symptoms. A variety of factors can cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments. It is crucial to seek the advice of a professional and get a thorough examination.
A psychological evaluation will also provide a thorough analysis of the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other relatives close to them to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
A mental health professional could also use a series standard tests to assess the ability of a person's brain. They 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 help indicate whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in an experimental study to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it's crucial to realize that the primary goal of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested in knowing more about clinical trials, speak with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their home or workplace. They may have difficulty keeping up with the daily chores like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have difficulty keeping their focus in the workplace and are often seen as agitated or "on-edge" when they sit at their desks.
Before determining ADHD, it's important that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life. Some people have ADHD throughout their life, while others have only one problem such as work or relationships. Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all considered in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A health care professional will conduct a thorough mental evaluation and consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It is also crucial to determine whether a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric conditions, and they may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic element. It's well known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that around 70%-80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and premature birth are all factors that are not genetic that can cause ADHD.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing experience. Some find it a relief to finally have an explanation for their issues. Others are relieved they understand the root of their issues. Historically, the myth was that only boys who are hyperactive are diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has resulted in women's symptoms being ignored for far too long. Hamdani, who is popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok is determined to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.