Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include the primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than one place, like school or at work.
Identifying Symptoms
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have been living with symptoms for many years. But, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental disorder. Others receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or work productivity are being affected. A diagnosis can be a shock, but it can also be overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. People who suffers from ADHD might be distracted during an audio lecture or waiting in the line. They may also forget things easily or have trouble finishing tasks in time. People suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty getting comfortable and may become frustrated emotionally easily.
ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest in running and jumping and bouncing, while adults might manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could be unable to sit still during long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses which can result in risk-taking behaviors such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay gratification and this can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD often have difficulty in organising their lives. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with their expenses or financial obligations.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if a person has ADHD. They will look at a person's developmental, medical and educational history, and inquire about their current performance. They may also speak to family members, teachers or employers to better understand a person's struggles.
A person must have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been evident before the age of 12, and they must affect a number of areas of a person's life, including school, work or social life.
Medical Histories
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. During this process, you is crucial to be honest and honest with your health care provider about your concerns since they can't diagnose you without that information. Some doctors request their patients to speak with loved ones, such as spouses, parents or siblings, for example -regarding the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This could help the person who is not suffering from ADHD get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It could also help improve the relationship.
ADHD symptoms in adults could vary depending on the situation, but they are often very similar to the symptoms that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults usually suffer from ADHD in a more complex way than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their school, work and social life. Adults with ADHD might not be able to manage their time in the same way as children and might have trouble maintaining relationships or obtaining a job.
For the purpose of diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough medical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and laboratory tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires on the issues that have affected your life.
When evaluating adults with ADHD in the same way, it's important to look into any comorbid conditions they might have, such as anxiety or depression that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can cause feelings of frustration or underachievement which can be internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare-up even more frequently. This can have a profound impact on your quality of life, making it important to treat both the complicacies and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a doctor decides to determine if someone has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and looking over documents. They will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD seek a diagnosis when they observe that their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their lives. They may be unable to do well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They may have problems in their relationships if 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 attend to their children.
It is important to keep in mind that many people with ADHD have some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to speak with a health professional and to undergo a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment may also provide a thorough analysis of the person's past, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's parents or spouse, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily functioning.
Additionally a mental health professional will examine the patient by using a set of standardized tests that measure their cognitive abilities. 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 indicate whether or not the person has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a trial could 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 specific health problems. If you're interested in knowing more, speak to your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with the daily chores like cleaning the home, remembering and completing appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have trouble working on time and are often anxious or "on edge" when they are in the office.
It is crucial for a doctor to take into consideration the various symptoms and how they impact the life of a person prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, while others have issues in just particular areas, such as work or relationships. Signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention are all considered in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
adhd diagnoses will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. For instance, stress and head injuries, mood disorders or other injuries, certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical conditions may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also crucial to determine whether a person suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these psychiatric conditions, and they may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator will also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic cause. It is well-known that ADHD is largely heritable and research suggests that around 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is inherited. A low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and premature birth are all factors that are not genetic that contribute to ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering experience. For some, it gives an explanation for their difficulties, while others feel relief that they know the reason behind their struggles. Historically, the myth was that only hyperactive little boys are diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has led to women's symptoms being ignored for far too long. This is why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and to share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.