Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician psychologist, psychiatrist or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must cause impairment in multiple settings, such as school or work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been living with symptoms for years. But, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental illness. Others get a diagnosis after they notice that their productivity at work is suffering or that their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. A person with ADHD might flutter their arms during an audio lecture or waiting in the line. They might also forget things easily or struggle to complete tasks on time. People suffering from ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily.
ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest as jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They might also have problems sitting still when listening to an extended conversation or reading an article.
how to get adult adhd diagnosis ADHD Diagnosis with ADHD may also have difficulty in controlling their impulses which could lead to risk-taking behaviors such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They might also have trouble resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can cause problems at home or at work. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties in organising their lives. This can make it difficult to keep track with their finances or bills.
A health care professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will review a person's developmental, medical and educational background and inquire about their current performance. They may also interview relatives and teachers to get more insight into the struggles of a person.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they should affect a number of areas of one's life such as 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 and family history to determine if you have symptoms that meet these criteria. It is important to be honest and open with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask patients to ask family members, such as parents, spouses or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual gain a better understanding the challenges that their loved ones face. It may also improve the relationship between them.
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 often suffer from their symptoms in more intricate ways than children and their symptoms can have a greater impact on their social, work 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 more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
To determine the diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and lab tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. In addition to this, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires on the issues that have affected your life.
When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD, it is also important to consider any comorbidities they may suffer from, like anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can cause feelings of anger or frustration which can be internalized as chronic anger or stress. This can lead to a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more often. This can have a huge impact on your life quality and therefore it is essential to address the ADHD and co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a healthcare doctor to determine if a patient has ADHD. This involves a thorough discussion with the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and an extensive review of the documents. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will ask the patient to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD often do so because they notice that their symptoms are affecting multiple aspects of their lives. Their work may suffer because of missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may struggle in their relationships as they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they fail to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is important to remember that many people without ADHD also suffer from some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms. It is crucial to seek out the advice of an expert and get a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment will provide a thorough analysis of the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also wish to talk with the person's spouse, parents or other relatives close to them to get their perspectives on how the person's behavior have affected their daily life and relationships.
Additionally a mental health professional will evaluate the person by using a set of standardized tests that are designed to assess their cognitive capabilities. They could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests will help to determine whether or not an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Mental health professionals may suggest that a person participate in a study to determine if he or she is ADHD-prone. While participating in a clinical study could be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the main purpose of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials, speak with your doctor or go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to maintain stability at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home or remembering to schedule and keep appointments or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble staying on task in the workplace, and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desks.
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 struggle with ADHD throughout their lives, while others have a single issue like work or relationships. Signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health professional will conduct an extensive mental health assessment and take into account other factors that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. For instance stress, head injuries, mood disorders or other injuries, certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also crucial to determine whether a person has comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could cause psychiatric disorders and could make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator may also look at the person's family history of ADHD to see if there is a genetic element. Research shows that up to 80% of ADHD risk is caused by genetics. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic causes that contribute to ADHD.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-altering experience. Some find it a relief to finally have an explanation for their difficulties. Others are relieved that they understand what is causing their problems. This belief system 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 share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.