Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as the way they affect your daily life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than one environment, such as school or work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for years however, they might not be aware that they suffer from a mental health issue. Some people are diagnosed after they realize that their work performance is declining or that their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis can be a revelation, but it can also be a source of anxiety for those at different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are among the most frequent ADHD symptoms that adults experience. For instance, a person with ADHD might squirm in their seat while they listen to a lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They might also forget things easily or have trouble finishing tasks in time. People suffering from ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, while the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less apparent in adults. For children, hyperactivity could manifest in running and jumping and jumping, while adults can manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They might also have problems being still during a long conversation or reading the book.
Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty in controlling their impulses, which can lead to reckless behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also have difficulty resisting the urge to buy something and delaying their satisfaction. This can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling organizing their lives, which can make it hard for them to keep on top of their finances and their bills.
A medical professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and look over their medical, educational and developmental history. They might also talk to family members, teachers, or employers in order to better understand a person's challenges.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must be present before the age 12 and have an impact on several areas of one's life, including their job, school or social life.
Medical Histories
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 and family history to determine if you have symptoms that meet these criteria. During this process, you is essential to be honest and honest with your health care provider regarding your issues since they aren't able to diagnose you without the information. Some doctors suggest that patients interview family members, like parents, spouses, or siblings, about the effect the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It could also help improve the relationship between them.
ADHD symptoms in adults may differ based on the circumstances but they are generally identical to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. The main difference is that adults tend to suffer from their symptoms in more complex ways than children and their symptoms can are more affecting their work, social, and school lives. Adults with ADHD might not be able to manage their time the like children and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or finding an employment.
Your doctor will conduct a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This involves an interview with yourself and any significant individuals in your life and a physical examination and laboratory tests. Additionally to this, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires about issues that have affected your life.
When evaluating adults with ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as anxiety or depression that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of anger or frustration which can be internalized as stress or anger that is persistent. This can create an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more frequently. This can have a profound impact on your quality of life, so it is crucial to treat both complicacies and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a doctor decides to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, complete family medical history and a thorough examination of the documents. They will ask them to describe their symptoms and how it affects their daily lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms affect various aspects of their lives. Their work may be affected due to the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They could have issues with their relationships if they are unable to listen or wait their turn. Their home life could be in disarray because they fail to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
It is important to note that many people who don't have ADHD have similar symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It is important to seek advice from an expert and get a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth look at the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to get their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily life.
A mental health professional may also use a series tests that are standardised to gauge the cognitive abilities of a person. 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 help determine whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD.
Sometimes mental health professionals may suggest that an individual participate in an experimental study to try out 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 gain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials, consult with your physician or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many people who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They may also have a difficult time working on time, and they often seem restless or "on edge" when they are in the office.
It is essential for a doctor to look at all these symptoms and how they affect a person's life before making an assessment of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD-related issues throughout their lives, while others have issues in just one area such as relationships or work. Signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A medical professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and will consider other factors that can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. For example, stress and head injuries, mood disorders and certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to determine if someone is suffering from comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can lead to these mental disorders and may 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 component. It is well-known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that about 70% to 80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is inherited. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to developing ADHD include low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy or birth prematurely.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. Many people are relieved to finally understand the reason for their difficulties. Some are relieved they understand the root of their issues. The traditional belief has been that only boys who are hyperactive can be diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has led to women's symptoms being ignored for far too long. Hamdani who is popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok, has decided to dispel the myths surrounding ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.