Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary health care provider psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms and how they affect daily life. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than one environment, such as school or at work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for many years. However, they may not have known that they suffered from a mental disorder. Some people are diagnosed when they discover that their relationships or work performance are being affected. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are among the most common ADHD symptoms in adults. diagnosis of adhd in adults suffering from ADHD may fidget when they are listening to a lecture or waiting in line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. In addition, those with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become frustrated and emotional quickly.
ADHD symptoms are more obvious in children, while the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less evident in adults. For instance when children are hyperactive, it may manifest as running or jumping around, whereas adults may exhibit these symptoms more subtly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might have difficulty sitting still during long conversations or reading a book.
Adults with ADHD might also have issues with impulse control which can result in risk-taking behaviors such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary things. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay the gratification which can cause issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which can make it difficult for them to keep on top of their finances and their bills.
A health care professional will perform an exhaustive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will ask about the person's current performance and look over their medical, educational and developmental history. They might also talk to relatives as well as teachers or employers to get more insight into a person's struggles.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and have an impact on several areas of one's life such as their work, school, 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 review your medical and family history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is essential that you are honest and forthcoming with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to speak with family members -- spouses, parents or siblings, for instance -to discuss the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual gain a better understanding the challenges their loved one faces. It may also improve the relationship.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many have a lot in common with the behaviors that characterized the condition during childhood. Adults usually suffer from ADHD in a more complex way than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their work, school and social life. Adults suffering from ADHD may not be able manage their time in the same way as children and may have difficulty keeping relationships in place or finding jobs.
To determine the diagnosis your 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 lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. You and your family members will also be asked to complete questionnaires on symptoms that have affected you.
It is essential to take into account any comorbid disorders that adults with ADHD may suffer from, for example depression or anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of anger or frustration that are interpreted as chronic anger or stress. This can lead to a vicious circle where the untreated symptoms of ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities that cause them to flare up even more frequently. This can have a profound impact on your quality of life, which is why it is essential to treat both complicacies and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a healthcare doctor to determine if a patient has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, an exhaustive family medical history and a thorough review of the documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they notice that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. Their work may suffer because of late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could be having issues in their relationships if they are unable to pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos because they don't pay attention to children or keep up with their chores.
It is important to keep in mind that many people with ADHD have certain symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar problems, such as stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses. In this regard it is crucial to consult a health care professional and undergo a thorough assessment.
A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth examination of the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other relatives close to them to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
A mental health professional could also use a series tests that are standardised to gauge the cognitive abilities of a person. These tests can include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can be used to determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments for ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in learning more, consult your physician or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to stay in a stable state at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting kids ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying focused in the workplace, and may appear agitated or "on-edge" when they sit at their desks.
Before determining ADHD it is crucial that a doctor examine all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others have issues in just particular areas, such as relationships or work. Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A health professional will conduct a thorough mental evaluation and will consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For example stress and mood disorders, head injuries and certain medications, thyroid conditions, and other physical ailments may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to determine whether a person suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. Untreated ADHD can result in these psychiatric disorders and can make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic component. Research has shown that up to 80% of ADHD risk is passed down through the family. Other non-genetic factors that can cause the development of ADHD include a low birth weight or exposure to toxins in pregnancy, or being born prematurely.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-altering event. For some, it provides a concrete explanation for their struggles and others feel relieved that they know what's causing their challenges. The traditional belief was that only hyperactive little boys are diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to women's symptoms being omitted for too long. Hamdani, also known as The Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.