Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary health care practitioner psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and quantity of symptoms, as well as the way they affect your daily life. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than one setting such as school or work.
Identifying adult diagnosis adhd who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time. However, they might not have known that they suffered from a mental illness. Some people are diagnosed after they discover that their work productivity is declining or their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis could be a revelation but it can also be overwhelming for people at different stages of life.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. For instance, someone suffering from ADHD might fidget in their chair while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They might also have trouble getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. In addition, those with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become frustrated and emotionally tense easily.
In children, symptoms of ADHD are more apparent however, in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity might not be apparent. In children, hyperactivity may manifest as jumping and running, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They might also have difficulty staying still while listening to long conversations or reading the book.
Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty with impulse control which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also have difficulty in deciding whether to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD often have difficulty with organization. This can make it difficult for them to keep up with their finances or bills.
A health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's present functioning and review their medical, educational and developmental history. They might also talk to family members, teachers, or employers in order to better understand a person's struggles.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must be present before the age 12 and must affect several areas of one's life, such as their work, 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 examine your medical, family, and work records to determine whether you match these criteria. During this process, it is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your problems because they can't diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients interview family members, such as parents, spouses or siblings, about the effect ADHD-related behaviors have on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD develop an accurate understanding of the challenges their loved ones face and may help the relationship in the future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary according to the situation, but a lot of them appear very similar to the behavior that was characteristic of the condition in childhood. Adults often experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and these symptoms can have more impact on their school, work and social life. For instance, people with ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children, and they might have difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
The doctor will conduct a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This includes an interview with you and any significant people in your life, 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 who suffer from ADHD in the same way, it's important to take into consideration any comorbidities they may suffer from, like anxiety or depression that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment that are interpreted as stress or anger that is persistent. This can lead to an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing flare-ups to occur more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life, which is why it is crucial to treat both comorbidities and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider is trying to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, complete medical history of the family and an extensive review of documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on scales of standardization and questionnaires.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they realize that their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their life. They might not be able to do well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They might struggle in their relationships because they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in disarray because they fail to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people who do not have ADHD also suffer from certain symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical illnesses can all trigger similar symptoms. As a result it is crucial to speak with a health expert and conduct a thorough evaluation.
A psychological evaluation will involve an in-depth look at the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's parents, spouse, or other close relatives to obtain their perspective about how the person's actions affect their daily lives and relationships.
A mental health professional may also employ a series of standardized tests to measure the cognitive abilities of a person. This 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 be used to determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that an individual participate in clinical trials to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study may be beneficial, it's important to understand that the main purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you are interested in knowing more about clinical trials, speak with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD struggle to keep their balance at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with their daily chores like cleaning the house or remembering to make appointments and keep them or getting their children ready for school. They may also have a difficult time keeping their work on track and are often anxious or "on edge" when they are in the office.
Before determining ADHD it is crucial that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's everyday life. Some people have ADHD-related problems in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others have issues in just specific areas like relationships or work. Symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all considered in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A health care professional will conduct an extensive mental assessment and will consider other factors that could trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical conditions may cause similar symptoms. It is also crucial to determine whether a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can result in these psychiatric conditions, and they may make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator may take a look at the family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic cause. It's well known that ADHD is largely heritable, and research suggests that 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is inherited. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that contribute to ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing moment. Some people feel relieved to finally find a reason for their difficulties. Some are relieved they understand what is causing their problems. This belief system led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. This is 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.