Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD. This might include the primary care physician psychologist, psychiatrist or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms and how they interfere with daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one setting like school or at work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for many years. But, they may not have realized they suffered from a mental illness. Others get a diagnosis after they realize that their productivity at work is declining or that their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis could be a surprise, but it can also be overwhelming for people at various stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. A person suffering from ADHD might be distracted while listening to a lecture or wait in line. They may also have difficulty finishing tasks on time or forgetting things quickly. Additionally, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and can become frustrated and emotional easily.
ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less apparent in adults. For children, hyperactivity could manifest in running and jumping, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They may also have trouble staying still while listening to long conversations or reading a book.
Adults with ADHD might also have issues with impulse control which can result in taking risks, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might be unable to resist temptation and delay gratification and this can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD also have issues organizing their lives, which can make it difficult to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will perform an extensive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and review their medical background, educational and developmental history. They may also speak to family members, teachers, or employers in order to understand a person's challenges.
A person must have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple aspects of a person's life, such as their school, job 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 personal, family medical and work histories to determine whether your symptoms satisfy these guidelines. It is important to be honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms, since they cannot diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to interview loved ones -- spouses, parents or siblings, for example -to discuss the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It can also enhance the relationship.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary according to the situation, but a lot of them have a lot in common with the behaviors that characterize the condition during childhood. One of the main differences is that adults tend to 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. Adults with ADHD might not be able manage their time in the same way as children, and might have trouble keeping relationships in place or finding an employment.
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 issues that can affect ADHD. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you in your life.
It is essential to consider any comorbid disorders that people with ADHD may suffer from, for example depression or anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they could lead to feelings of frustration and low performance which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can create an unending cycle where symptoms that are not treated for ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your life quality which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a healthcare doctor to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, including a full medical history of the family, and examining documents. They will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and how it affects their daily lives. They will ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they notice their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their lives. They may be unable to perform well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They may have problems in their relationships if they can't pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in disarray because they fail to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people without ADHD also experience some of these symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar issues, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments. It is essential to seek out the advice of an expert and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological evaluation will involve an in-depth look at the person's history, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse or other family members to gain their perspective on the person's behavior and how it affects their daily life.
A mental health professional might also use a series standard tests to assess the ability of a person's brain. These might include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will suggest that an individual participate in an experimental study to test new treatments for ADHD. While taking part in a trial may be beneficial, you must be aware that these trials are primarily designed to gain new knowledge in science and not to treat any specific health issue. If you're interested in learning more, talk to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many people who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. adhd diagnosis uk adults ADHD Diagnosis may be struggling to keep up with everyday tasks like cleaning the house or remembering to schedule appointments and keep them or getting their children ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying on task at work, and are often seen as agitated or "on-edge" when they sit at their desks.
It is crucial for a doctor to consider all these symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making the diagnosis of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD throughout their lives, while others have a single issue such as work or relationships. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
A health professional will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and will consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. For example stress and mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, thyroid issues, certain medications, and other physical ailments can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also essential to determine whether a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If untreated, ADHD can result in these psychiatric conditions, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator can also look into the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's an inheritance 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. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and premature birth are all non-genetic causes which can contribute to ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-altering event. For some, it gives a concrete explanation for their struggles and for others, it brings relief that they know the root of their problems. In the past, the belief has been that only hyperactive little boys are diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has led to many women's symptoms being omitted for far too long. This is why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.