Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This might include a primary care provider psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms and how they impact daily life. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing problems in more than one environment, such as school or at work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for a long time but might not be aware that they have a mental health condition. Some people are diagnosed when they realize that their relationships or their work performance are suffering. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can be stressful for people at different stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are some of the most frequent ADHD symptoms that adults experience. A person with ADHD might flutter their arms while listening to a lecture or wait in line. They may also have difficulty finishing tasks on time or forgetting things easily. Those with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily.
In children, signs of ADHD are more apparent, but in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may appear less obviously. In children, hyperactivity can manifest as jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems staying still while listening to a long conversation or reading the book.
Adults with ADHD might also have issues in controlling their impulses which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also have a hard time resisting temptation and delaying gratification. This can lead to issues at home or work. People with ADHD also have issues organizing their lives, which can make it difficult to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A health care professional will perform an extensive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will look at the person's medical, developmental and educational history and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also speak with relatives and teachers to get an understanding of the challenges a person faces.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that an individual has multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and must affect several aspects of a person's life such as their school, job 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 personal, family, medical and work history to determine if you have symptoms that satisfy these criteria. It is crucial to be honest and open with your doctor regarding your symptoms since they cannot diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients interview family members, such as spouses, parents or siblings, about the impact ADHD-related behaviors have 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 and can help strengthen the relationship in the future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary depending on the situation, but they often appear very similar to the behaviors that characterized the condition in childhood. The main difference is that adults typically suffer from the condition in more complex ways than children and their symptoms can have a bigger impact on their social, work and school life. Adults with ADHD may not be able manage their time in the same way as children, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or finding an employment.
For diagnosis the 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 examination and lab tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires about symptoms that have affected your life.
When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD in the same way, it's important to consider any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as anxiety or depression that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can cause feelings of anger or frustration that are interpreted as stress or anger that is persistent. This can create an endless cycle of untreated symptoms of ADHD can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare up even more frequently. This can have a significant impact on the quality of your life, so it is important to treat both the complicacies and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
When a doctor is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological assessment. This involves a thorough discussion with the patient, an exhaustive medical history of the family, and a thorough review of documents. They will ask the person 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 a diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they realize that their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their lives. 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 pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic due to their inability to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people without ADHD also suffer from certain symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms. It is essential to seek the advice of an expert and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment may also provide a thorough analysis of the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's parents or spouse, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily life.
In addition a mental health professional will examine the patient using a series of standardized tests that measure their cognitive capabilities. These might include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes mental health professionals may suggest that a person take part in an experimental study to test new treatments for ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the primary purpose of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in learning more, talk to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home or remembering to schedule appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying focused in the workplace and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desk.
It's important for a doctor to consider all these symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making a diagnosis of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD in a variety of areas of their lives, whereas others have only one problem like work or relationships. The criteria to diagnose ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
A health professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For instance stress, mood disorders, head injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. If untreated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic component. Research shows that up to 80 percent of ADHD risk is inherited. Other non-genetic factors that could cause the development of ADHD include a low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. Some find it a relief to finally have an explanation for their difficulties. Others are relieved that they know what is causing their problems. I Am Psychiatry led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. Hamdani, also popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok is determined to dispel the myths surrounding ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.