Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary health care practitioner psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and number of symptoms, as well as how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than just one place, like school or at work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for years but might not be aware that they have an illness of the mind. Others receive a diagnosis when they discover that their relationships or work performance are suffering. how to get diagnosed with adhd in adults could be a shock but it can also be overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. For example, someone suffering from ADHD might squirm in their seat as they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait their turn in the line. They may also have difficulty working on their tasks in time or losing things easily. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become angry and emotional quickly.
ADHD symptoms are more obvious in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. For example, in children, hyperactivity can manifest as running and jumping around, whereas adults may exhibit these symptoms more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might be unable to remain still for long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also have problems with controlling their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also have difficulty resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD often have difficulty with organization. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with their finances or bills.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual has ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational history and inquire regarding their current functioning. They might also talk to relatives and teachers to gain more insight into a person's struggles.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12, and they should affect a number of areas of one's life such as school, work or their social life.
Medical History
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 look over your family, personal medical, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that satisfy these requirements. It is essential to be honest and forthcoming with your doctor about your symptoms, as they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients interview family members, such as parents, spouses or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the issues their loved ones face. It also may help the relationship in the future.
ADHD symptoms in adults could differ based on the circumstances however, they are usually very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. The main difference is that adults often suffer from the condition in more complicated ways than children, and their symptoms have a greater impact on their work, social, and school life. For instance, adults with ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time like children, and they might have more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
To determine the diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. Your family and you will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD, it is also important to take into consideration any comorbidities they may suffer from, like 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 get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can lead to an endless cycle of symptoms that are not treated for ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities and cause them to recur more often. This can have a huge impact on your quality-of-life which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is usually performed by a health care specialist to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, an exhaustive medical history of the family and an extensive review of the documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms affect many aspects of their lives. Their work might be affected by missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could be having issues in their relationships if they are unable to pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic due to the fact that they aren't paying attention to children or manage their chores.
It is important to keep in mind that many people who do not have ADHD have some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses can all cause similar symptoms. It is important to seek the advice of a professional and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment will provide a thorough analysis of the person's past, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also wish to talk with the person's parents, spouse, or other family members to obtain their perspective on how the person's behavior have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
A mental health professional may also utilize a set of tests that are standardised to gauge the cognitive abilities of a person. These tests can 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 indicate whether or not the person has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in an experimental study to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study can be beneficial, it is important to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health issue. If you are interested in knowing more about clinical trials, consult with your physician or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their home or work environment. They may have trouble keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering to make appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying focused in the workplace, and are often seen as agitated or "on-edge" when they sit at their desk.
It is essential for a doctor to consider all these symptoms and how they affect a person's life before making an assessment of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD-related issues in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others are only struggling with particular areas, such as relationships or work. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
A health care professional will conduct an extensive mental assessment and also consider other elements that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. For instance stress, mood disorders, head injuries, thyroid issues, certain medications and other physical ailments may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric conditions and can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator may also look at the person's family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic cause. It is well-known that ADHD is mostly hereditary and research suggests that 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is inherited. A low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that can cause ADHD.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing experience. For some, it offers an explanation for their difficulties, while others feel relief knowing the reason behind their struggles. In the past, the belief was that only boys who are hyperactive can be diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has led to many women's symptoms being ignored for far too long. This is the reason why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.