Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could include the primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms and how they affect daily life. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause impairment in multiple settings, such as school or work.
Identifying symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time however, they may not know that they suffer from a mental health issue. Many people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their productivity at work is declining or that their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are among the most common ADHD symptoms in adults. For example, someone with ADHD may flitter around in their chair while they listen to an audio lecture at work or have trouble waiting for their turn in the line. They might also forget things easily or struggle to complete tasks within the timeframe. People with ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less apparent in adults. For instance, in children, hyperactivity can manifest as running and running around, while adults can display these symptoms more subtly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they may have difficulty sitting still for long conversations or reading the book.
Adults with ADHD can also have problems with impulse control. This can lead to risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary things. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to issues at work or home. People with ADHD often have difficulty with organization. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with their expenses or financial obligations.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions about their current performance. They can also talk to teachers, family members or employers to better understand a person's challenges.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the person suffers from multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12, and they must affect various aspects of one's life like school, work, 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 look over your medical and family history to determine if you have symptoms that meet these criteria. During this process, you is crucial to be honest and honest with your health care provider about your problems because they won't be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to talk with loved ones, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, for example -- about the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual gain a better understanding the challenges that their loved one faces. It can also enhance the relationship.
ADHD symptoms in adults can differ based on the circumstances but they are generally very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. diagnosing adhd in adults of the main differences is that adults typically suffer from their symptoms in more complex ways than children and their symptoms can have a bigger impact on their work, social and school lives. For instance, people with ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children, and they may experience 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 significant people in your life, a physical exam, and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause ADHD. In addition you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires on the symptoms 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, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and underachievement that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can result in a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, which causes flare-ups to occur more frequently. This can have a significant effect on your quality of life, so it is essential to treat both comorbidities and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a health care specialist to determine if a person has ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family and an extensive review of documents. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms on scales of standardization and questionnaires.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they notice that their symptoms affect multiple aspects of their lives. They might not be able to perform well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They may have problems in their relationships if they are unable to pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos due to their inability to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is important to remember that many people who do not suffer from ADHD have the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments can all cause similar symptoms. It is important to seek advice from an expert and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse or other family members to get their perspective on the person's behavior and how it has affected their daily life.
A mental health professional may also utilize a set of tests that are standardised to gauge the ability of a person's brain. These tests can include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests will help to determine if an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Mental health professionals might suggest that a person participate in a trial to test whether or not they are ADHD-prone. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is important to recognize that the primary purpose of these studies is to obtain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested to learn more, talk to your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD struggle to stay in a stable state at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with the daily chores like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have trouble working on time and often appear uneasy or "on edge" while sitting in the office.
Before determining ADHD it is essential that a doctor considers all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's everyday life. Some people have ADHD in a variety of areas of their lives, whereas others have only one problem like work or relationships. Signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all considered in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A health professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and will consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For instance stress, mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. If untreated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders and can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator may also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to see if there is a genetic component. It is widely known that ADHD is largely heritable and research suggests that around 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that can cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing event. For some, it gives a concrete explanation for their difficulties and for others, it brings relief knowing the reason behind their struggles. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being considered serious for a long time. This is the reason 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.