Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary health care practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and number of symptoms, and how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one environment like school or at work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time. However, they might not have known that they suffered from a mental disorder. Many people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their work performance is suffering or that their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a surprise however it can also be a source of anxiety for those at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Someone with ADHD may fidget when they are listening to a lecture or waiting in the line. They may forget things easily, or struggle to complete tasks on time. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become angry and emotionally tense easily.
In children, signs of ADHD are more apparent however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear less obviously. For children, hyperactivity could manifest in running and jumping and bouncing, while adults might exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems sitting still when listening to an extended conversation or reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with impulse control. This could lead to risky behaviours like driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded things. They may also have difficulty in deciding whether to resist temptation and delay the gratification which can cause issues at home or at work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling organizing their lives, which can make it difficult to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A health care professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will review the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also speak with family members and teachers to gain more insight into the struggles of a person.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when a person has multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple areas of one's life, such as their job, school 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 personal, family medical, and work history to identify symptoms that match these guidelines. In this process, it is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your concerns since they aren't able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to speak with loved ones, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, for instance -regarding the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD gain a better knowledge of the difficulties their loved ones face. It also can help strengthen the relationship in the near 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 in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults often suffer from their symptoms in more complicated ways than children, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their social, work and school life. For instance, adults with ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children, and they might have more difficulty finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
To determine the diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and you will also be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected you.
It is important to take into account any comorbidities that people with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment, which are internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can create an unending cycle where symptoms that are not treated for ADHD exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, causing them to recur more often. This can have a major impact on your life quality, so it's important to address the ADHD and the comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is usually performed by a health care provider to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family and an extensive review of documents. They will ask them to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms using scales of standardization and questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD do so when they notice their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. Their work might be affected by missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could be having issues in their relationships if they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in chaos because they aren't paying attention to children or complete their chores.
It is important to remember that many people who do not have ADHD have some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments may all cause similar symptoms. As a result it is essential to speak with a health professional and to conduct a thorough evaluation.
A psychological assessment will include a detailed look at the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to get their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily life.
A mental health professional could also use a series standard tests to assess the cognitive abilities of a person. 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.
Mental health professionals may recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether they are susceptible to ADHD. Although participating in a trial could be beneficial, it is important to understand that these studies are designed to gather new knowledge in science and not to treat particular health issues. If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials, consult with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home or remembering to schedule appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They may also have difficulty staying on task at work, and they often seem uneasy or "on edge" while sitting in the office.
It is essential for a doctor to look at the various symptoms and how they affect the life of a person prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD in a variety of areas of their lives, whereas others have a single issue like work or relationships. The criteria for determining ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
A health professional will conduct an extensive mental health assessment and will consider other factors that can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. For instance, stress, mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to determine if a person is suffering from comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these psychiatric disorders and can 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 component. It's well known that ADHD is mostly hereditary and research suggests that 70%-80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is inherited. A low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic causes which can contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. For some, it gives an answer to their issues and others feel relieved that they now know the reason behind their struggles. Historically, the myth has been that only boys who are hyperactive are diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has led to many women's symptoms being omitted for too long. Hamdani, who is popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok, has decided to dispel the myths surrounding ADHD and share her own experiences as an ADHD women.