Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary health care practitioner, 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 setting such as school or work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from symptoms for a long time. But, they may not have known that they suffered from a mental illness. Others get a diagnosis after they realize that their work performance is declining or that their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming for people in different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are a few of the most frequent ADHD symptoms among adults. For instance, a person with ADHD might fidget in their seat while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or have trouble waiting for their turn in the line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or losing things easily. Those with ADHD may also have trouble getting comfortable and may become frustrated emotionally easily.
ADHD symptoms are more obvious in children, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less apparent in adults. For children, hyperactivity could manifest itself in jumping and running, while adults may display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they may be unable to sit still for long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty in controlling their impulses which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which can make it hard for them to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will perform an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's present functioning and examine their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They may also speak with relatives, teachers or employers to get more insight into a person's struggles.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the person suffers from multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and must affect several areas of one's life, including their school, job or social life.
Medical History
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 go over your personal, family, medical and work history to identify symptoms that meet these requirements. During this process, you is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your problems because they won't be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask patients to talk to family members, including parents, spouses, or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This will help the person with no ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges that their loved one faces. It could also help improve the relationship.
ADHD symptoms in adults can vary depending on the situation, but they are often identical to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults typically suffer from ADHD in a different way than children, and the symptoms have a greater impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time like children, and they might have more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
To determine the diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical examination and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical issues that can affect ADHD. Additionally, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you in your life.
When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD, it is also important to take into consideration any other comorbid conditions they may suffer from, like depression or anxiety that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can trigger feelings of anger or frustration which can be internalized as chronic anger or stress. This can create an unending cycle of ADHD symptoms exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing flare-ups to occur more often. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life, so it is crucial to treat both co-morbidities as well as the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is usually performed by a healthcare specialist to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, including a full medical history of the family, and examining documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD seek a diagnosis when they notice their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their life. Their work might be affected due to missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may struggle in their relationships as they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in chaos because they are unable to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children.
It is important to remember that many people who don't have ADHD suffer from the same symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar problems, including stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses. As a result it is crucial to speak with a health professional and take a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment will include a thorough examination of the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak with the person's spouse, parents or other relatives close to them to find out their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily life and relationships.
In addition a mental health professional will assess the individual by using a set of standardized tests that measure their cognitive capabilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine whether or not an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes mental health professionals may recommend that a person participate in a clinical trial to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study may be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the primary goal of these studies is to gain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested to learn more, talk to your physician or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to keep their balance at home or at work. They may have difficulty keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and completing appointments, or getting children ready for school. They may also have difficulty working on time and often appear anxious or "on edge" while sitting in the office.
Before determining ADHD it is crucial that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life. Certain people suffer from ADHD in many areas of their life, while others have a single issue such as work or relationships. Signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention are all used in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and will consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It is also crucial to determine whether a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these psychiatric disorders and could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there is a genetic component. 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. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure during pregnancy to toxins and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that can cause ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering experience. Many people are relieved to finally find a reason for their issues. Others are relieved that they understand the root of their problems. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. Hamdani, also popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD women.