Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary care provider, psychiatrist or psychologist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and quantity of symptoms, as well as how they impact the daily routine. The symptoms must be present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one environment like school or at work.
Identifying Symptoms
Many adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for a long time but might not realize that they suffer from an illness of the mind. Other people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or their work performance are suffering. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but it can be stressful for those at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. For example, someone with ADHD might squirm in their seat while they listen to a lecture at work or have trouble waiting for their turn in the line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things easily. People with ADHD can also have difficulty relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
In children, symptoms of ADHD are more obvious however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear less obviously. For instance in children, hyperactivity can manifest as running and jumping around, but adults may exhibit these symptoms more subduedly through shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have difficulty staying still while listening to long conversations or reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty with impulse control which could lead to reckless behaviors like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties with organization. This makes it difficult to keep track with their finances or bills.
A health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's present functioning and examine their medical, educational and developmental history. They might also talk to family members, teachers or employers to better understand a person's challenges.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when an individual has multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and must affect several areas of a person’s life, including their work, school, 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 medical, family, and work histories to identify symptoms that fit these criteria. It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor regarding 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 -to discuss the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It also can help strengthen the relationship in the near future.
ADHD symptoms in adults can differ based on the circumstances however, they are usually very similar to the symptoms that characterize ADHD in childhood. Adults usually experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complicated manner than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their school, work and social life. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time in the same way as children and may have difficulties maintaining relationships or finding a job.
For diagnosis your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out any 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 suffering from ADHD as a group, it is important to take into consideration any comorbidities they may have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they can contribute to feelings of anger and frustration which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. 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 major impact on your quality of life, making it essential to treat both co-morbidities as well as the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider wants to determine whether someone has ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological examination. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, including a full medical history of the family, as well as examining documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD often do so because they realize that their symptoms affect various aspects of their lives. Their work may be affected by late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They might struggle in their relationships because they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in chaos because they don't pay attention to children or keep up with their chores.
It is important to remember that many people who don't suffer from ADHD experience some of the same symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar issues, such as stress, mental health issues, as well as physical ailments. As a result it is essential to seek out a health care expert and conduct a thorough evaluation.
https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment will include an in-depth examination of the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's parents or spouse or other family members to find out their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily functioning.
Additionally an expert in mental health will examine the patient using a series of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive abilities. These tests may 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 help determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that an individual participate in clinical trials to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the primary goal of these studies is to obtain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested to learn more, consult your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials.
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 like cleaning the house or remembering to make and keep appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have difficulty keeping their focus in the workplace and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they sit at their desks.
Before determining ADHD it is essential that a doctor examine all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. Certain people suffer from ADHD throughout their lives, whereas others have a single issue like work or relationships. The criteria to diagnose ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
A medical professional will perform an exhaustive mental evaluation and also consider other elements that could trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine whether a person suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD could lead to these mental disorders and can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator may also examine the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic cause. It is well-known that ADHD is largely inherited and research suggests that around 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors which can contribute to ADHD.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering moment. Many people are relieved to finally find a reason for their struggles. Others are relieved that they understand the root of their issues. The traditional belief was that only hyperactive little boys are diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to many women's symptoms being omitted for a long time. This is why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and to share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.