Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary health care practitioner psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they affect daily life. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one setting like school or at work.
Identifying symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from symptoms for years. But, they may not have realized that they had a mental illness. Others get a diagnosis after they discover that their work performance is declining or their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a revelation however it can also feel overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might squirm in their seat as they listen to a lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in line. They might also be prone to forgetting things or struggle to complete tasks on time. Those with ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily.
In children, the signs of ADHD are more obvious however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear less obviously. For instance when children are hyperactive, it may manifest as running or jumping around, but adults might display these signs more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have difficulty sitting still when listening to long conversations or reading the book.
Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty in controlling their impulses which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and defergratification, which can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties in organising their lives. This can make it difficult for them to keep up with their expenses or financial obligations.
A medical professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will look at the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions about their current performance. They may also speak to family members, teachers or employers to better 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 have been present before the age 12 and affect multiple areas of one's life such as their school, job or social life.
Medical History
The American Psychiatric Association publishes diagnostic guidelines for ADHD in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition" (DSM-5). Your doctor will look over your personal, family medical and work histories to determine whether your symptoms satisfy these requirements. It is important to be honest and transparent with your doctor about your symptoms, since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to interview loved ones -- spouses, parents, or siblings, for instance -- about the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear knowledge of the difficulties their loved one faces and may help the relationship in the future.
ADHD symptoms in adults may vary depending on the situation however, they are usually identical to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults usually suffer from ADHD in a more complicated manner than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults with ADHD might not be able to manage their time as well as children and they may have more difficulty finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
To determine the diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough medical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. Your family and you will be required to complete questionnaires on symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any comorbidities they may suffer from, like depression or anxiety that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders are not addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and underachievement which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an unending cycle where symptoms that are not treated for ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities, causing them to recur more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your quality-of-life which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a healthcare provider to determine if someone has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and a thorough examination of the documents. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they notice their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their life. They might not be able to perform well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They could be having issues in their relationships if they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic due to the fact that they aren't paying attention to their children or keep up with their chores.
It is important to note that many people who don't suffer from ADHD experience the same symptoms. A variety of factors can cause similar problems, including stress, mental health issues, and physical ailments. It is crucial to seek the advice of a professional and undergo a thorough evaluation.
A psychological evaluation will involve a detailed look into the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also wish to talk with the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to find out their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
In addition, a mental health professional will examine the patient with a series of standard tests that measure their cognitive abilities. These might include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can indicate whether or not the person has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that a person take part in clinical trials to test new treatments for ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the main purpose of these studies is to obtain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested to learn more, talk to your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many people who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at workplace or at home. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may have difficulty keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering and keeping appointments or getting kids ready for school. They may also have a difficult time keeping their work on track and are often restless or "on edge" when sitting in the office.
Before diagnosing ADHD it is essential that a doctor considers all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. Certain people suffer from ADHD in a variety of areas of their life, while others have only one problem like work or relationships. The criteria to diagnose ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
A health professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and take into account other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. For example, stress, mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also essential to determine if someone has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If untreated, ADHD could result in these psychiatric conditions that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic component. Research shows that up to 80 percent of ADHD risk is inherited. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For some, it offers a concrete explanation for their struggles and others feel relieved that they know what's causing their challenges. Historically, the myth was that only hyperactive little boys can be diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has led to women's symptoms being ignored 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.