Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include a primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they impact everyday life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one setting like school or work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for a long time but might not be aware that they have an illness of the mind. Other people receive a diagnosis when they notice their relationships or work performance are affected. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but can be stressful for people at different stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. For instance, someone with ADHD might fidget in their seat while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or have trouble waiting for their turn in line. They may forget things easily, or have trouble finishing tasks in time. Additionally, people with ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become angry and emotionally tense easily.
In children, symptoms of ADHD are more obvious In adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may not be as obvious. In children, hyperactivity may manifest itself in jumping and running and jumping, while adults can display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They may also have trouble staying still while listening to a long conversation or reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses which can result in risk-taking behaviors such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay the gratification and this can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties with organization. This can make it difficult to keep track with their expenses or financial obligations.
A medical professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine whether an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current performance and review their medical background, educational and developmental history. They may also interview relatives as well as teachers or employers to gain more insight into the struggles of a person.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a person has multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple areas of a person’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 examine your medical, family, and work histories to identify symptoms that fit these criteria. During this process, you is important to be open and honest with your doctor about your problems because they aren't able to diagnose you without the information. Some doctors ask patients to ask family members, like spouses, parents, or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the issues their loved ones face and may help the relationship in the future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary depending on the situation, but they often look very similar to the behaviors that characterize the condition in childhood. The main difference is that adults typically suffer from their symptoms in more complex ways than children and their symptoms can have a greater impact on their work, social, and school life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be able to manage their time as well as children and they may experience difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
The doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This will include an interview with you and any significant people in your lives as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. Your family and you will be required to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD, it is also 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 lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment, which are internalized as stress or anger that is persistent. This can create an unending cycle of ADHD symptoms can exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare up more often. This can have a huge impact on your daily life, so it's important to address the ADHD and the comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is usually performed by a healthcare provider to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. 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 explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD typically do so due to the fact that their symptoms affect various aspects of their lives. Their work may be affected by late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may have problems in their relationships if they don't pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic due to their inability to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
It is important to remember that many people who do not have ADHD experience similar symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consult a health care professional and take a thorough examination.
A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth look at the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily life.
In addition an expert in mental health will assess the individual by using a set of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests can include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
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 may be beneficial, it's important to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health problem. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, consult with your physician or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD struggle to maintain stability at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with daily tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering to make appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying focused at work, and are often seen as agitated or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desks.
It is crucial for a doctor to take into consideration all these symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making the diagnosis of ADHD. Some people struggle with ADHD in a variety of areas of their lives, whereas others have a single issue like work or relationships. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all used in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A medical professional will conduct an extensive mental health assessment and take into account other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. For instance, stress, head injuries, mood disorders and thyroid issues, certain medications, and other physical ailments could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also essential to determine whether a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator can also look into the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic cause. It's well known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that about 70%-80 percent of the risk of 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 causes which can contribute to ADHD.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering event. For some, it provides an answer to their issues and others feel relieved that they know what's causing their challenges. This belief led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. Hamdani who is known as The Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok is determined to dispel the myths surrounding ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.