Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary health care provider psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and number of symptoms, and how they impact everyday life. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than one environment, such as school or work.
Identifying symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time however, they might not realize that they have an illness of the mind. Others get a diagnosis after they notice that their work productivity is declining or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis could be a surprise however it can also be overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are some of the most common ADHD symptoms in adults. For example, someone suffering from ADHD might squirm in their seat as they listen to an audio lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in line. They might also have trouble getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. People with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
In children, symptoms of ADHD are more apparent, but in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may not be as obvious. For children, hyperactivity could manifest itself in jumping and running, while adults may manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They may also have trouble being still during an extended conversation or reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also experience issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money on unneeded items. They may also have difficulty in deciding whether to resist temptation and delay gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which can make it difficult to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will perform an exhaustive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will ask about the person's current functioning and review their medical background, educational and developmental history. They can also talk to teachers, family members or employers to understand a person's challenges.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they must affect a number of areas of a person's daily life, like school, work, or social life.
I Am Psychiatry 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 if you have symptoms that meet these guidelines. It is crucial that you are honest and forthcoming with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to speak with loved ones -- spouses, parents, or siblings, for instanceregarding the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It may also improve the relationship.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary according to the situation, but a lot of them look very similar to the behaviors that characterize the condition during childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to experience their symptoms in more complicated ways than children and their symptoms can have a greater impact on their work, social, and school life. Adults with ADHD might not be able to manage their time the like children and might have trouble maintaining relationships 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 examination and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family members will be required to complete questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD, it is also important to take into consideration any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as depression or anxiety, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they can contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that are internalized as stress or anger. This can create an endless cycle of symptoms that are not treated for ADHD can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities that cause them to flare up even more often. This can have a profound effect on your quality of life, which is why it is crucial to treat both comorbidities and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a doctor is trying to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological examination. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and examining documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. Their work could be affected due to missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could be having issues in their relationships if they can't listen or wait their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they fail to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people with ADHD also suffer from some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms. In this regard, it is important to speak with a health professional and to take a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's history, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also wish to talk with the person's parents, spouse, or other close relatives to find out their perspective on how the person's behavior have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
A mental health professional could also use a series tests that are standardised to gauge the person's cognitive abilities. These tests could 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 be used to determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
Mental health professionals might recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether or not they are hyperactive. While participating in a clinical study can be beneficial, it's important to understand that the primary goal of these studies is to gain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested to learn more, talk to your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or workplace. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks like cleaning the home, remembering and completing appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have trouble keeping their work on track and often appear uneasy or "on edge" while sitting in the office.
It is essential for a doctor to take into consideration the various symptoms and how they impact the person's life prior to making a diagnosis of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD in many areas of their lives, while others have only one problem like work or relationships. The criteria for determining ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
A health professional will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress depression, mood disorders, and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It is also crucial to determine if someone has comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. Untreated ADHD may result in these psychiatric conditions and can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic cause. Research suggests that as much as 80% of ADHD risk is passed down through the family. A low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors which can contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. For some, it gives a concrete explanation for their difficulties and others feel relieved that they know the root of their problems. This belief led to women's symptoms not being considered serious for 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.