Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This might include a primary care provider, psychiatrist or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms and how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than one place, like school or at work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time however, they may not know that they suffer from a mental health condition. Other people receive a diagnosis when they discover that their relationships or work performance are affected. A diagnosis could be a shock, but it can also be a source of anxiety for people at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. Someone who suffers from ADHD might be distracted while listening to a lecture or wait in line. They might also have trouble working on their tasks in time or forgetting things easily. People with ADHD can also have difficulty 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. In children, hyperactivity can manifest itself in jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might have difficulty sitting still for long conversations or reading an article.
Adults with ADHD may also experience issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded items. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and defergratification which can cause issues at work or home. People with ADHD also often have trouble organizing their lives, which can make it hard for them to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will ask about the person's current functioning and examine their medical background, educational and developmental history. They can also talk to family members, teachers, or employers in order to better understand the person's struggles.
A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they must affect various aspects of one's life including school, work, or social life.
Medical Histories
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 examine your medical as well as family and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is important that you are honest and open with your doctor regarding your symptoms since they cannot diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to talk with loved ones -- spouses, parents or siblings, for instance -- about the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This helps the non-ADHD person develop an accurate knowledge of the difficulties their loved ones face and may help the relationship in the near future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many appear very similar to the behaviors that characterized the condition in childhood. A key difference is that adults typically suffer from the condition in more complex ways than children do and their symptoms can have a greater impact on their work, social, and school lives. For instance, people with ADHD may not be able to manage their time like children, and they may have difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
Your doctor will conduct an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This includes an interview with you and any significant individuals in your life as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you in your life.
It is crucial to consider any comorbidities that people with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. If these disorders aren't treated, they can contribute to feelings of anger and frustration that are internalized as stress or anger. This can create a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more frequently. This can have a major impact on your life quality and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
When a doctor is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, a complete medical history of the family, as well as reviewing documents. They will ask them to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms affect various aspects of their lives. They may not be able to be effective in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They could be having issues in their relationships if they don't listen or wait their turn. Their home life could be in disarray due to their inability to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
get diagnosed with adhd is important to recognize that many people who don't have ADHD suffer from the same symptoms. Many factors can cause similar issues, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses. It is crucial to seek the advice of a professional and undergo a thorough evaluation.
A psychological assessment will include a detailed look at the person's past, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's spouse or parents, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily life.
A mental health professional might also utilize a set of standard tests to assess the person's cognitive abilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can determine whether or not an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Mental health professionals might suggest that a person participate in a trial to test if he or she is hyperactive. While participating in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it's crucial to realize that the main purpose of these studies is to gain new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health problem. If you are 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 a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to keep their balance at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying on task in the workplace and are often seen as agitated or "on-edge" when they sit at their desks.
It is crucial for a doctor to look at all these symptoms and how they impact the person's life prior to making an assessment of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others have issues in just one area such as work or relationships. The criteria to diagnose ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
A health care professional will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and will consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical conditions may cause similar symptoms. It is crucial to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. If untreated, ADHD could lead to these psychiatric disorders and could make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD to determine if there's a genetic component. Research has shown that up to 80% of ADHD risk is inherited. Other factors that are not genetic and could cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight or exposure to toxins in pregnancy or having a premature birth.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-altering experience. For some, it offers an answer to their difficulties and others feel relieved that they now know the root of their problems. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being recognized for too long. Hamdani, also popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths surrounding ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.