Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include a primary health care provider psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as how they impact the daily routine. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one setting like school or work.
Identifying Symptoms
Many adults 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 condition. Many people receive a diagnosis when they notice that their work productivity is suffering or that their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can be a bit overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. For example, someone who suffers from ADHD might fidget in their seat while they listen to a lecture at work or have trouble waiting for their turn in line. They may also forget things easily or struggle to finish tasks within the timeframe. People with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
In children, signs of ADHD are more apparent In adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear less obviously. In children, hyperactivity can manifest in running and jumping and bouncing, while adults might manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. In addition, they could be unable to remain still for long conversations or while reading an article.
Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty with impulse control 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 the pleasure. This can lead to problems at home or work. People with ADHD also often have trouble organizing their lives, which can make it hard for them to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A health care professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual has ADHD. They will look at the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions about their current performance. They may also speak to family members, teachers or employers to understand a person's challenges.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when an individual has multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they should affect many areas of one's life like school, work, 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 review your family, personal, medical and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is important that you are honest and open with your doctor regarding your symptoms since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients ask family members, including parents, spouses or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual get a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones are facing. It could also help improve the relationship.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many look very similar to the behaviors that characterize the condition in childhood. The main difference is that adults tend to suffer from their symptoms in more intricate ways than children do, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their work, social and school life. For instance, adults who have ADHD might not be capable of managing their time like children, and they might have difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
For diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and laboratory tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. Your family and you will be required to complete questionnaires on symptoms that have affected you.
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 depression or anxiety, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can cause feelings of frustration or unfulfillment that are interpreted as stress or anger that is persistent. This can lead to an unending cycle where symptoms that are not treated for ADHD can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities that cause them to recur more often. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life, making it essential to treat both complicacies and the ADHD.
Psychological Evaluation
If a healthcare professional wants to determine whether someone has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological examination. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, including a full medical history of the family, and reviewing documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on scales of rating and questionnaires that are standardised.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they observe that their symptoms impacting different aspects of their life. Their work could suffer because of late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may have problems in their relationships if they are unable to pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic because they are unable to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is important to remember that many people with ADHD also experience certain symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses. As a result, it is important to consult a health care expert and take a thorough examination.
A psychological assessment may also include a thorough examination of the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. adhd diagnosis uk adults may 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.
In addition, a mental health professional will evaluate the person with a series of standard tests that are designed to assess 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 indicate whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD.
Mental health professionals may suggest that a person participate in a study to determine whether or not they are ADHD-prone. Although taking part in a trial may be beneficial, you should be aware that these trials are designed to gather new information in the field of science, not to treat specific health problems. If you are interested in knowing more about clinical trials, talk with your doctor or go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. They may struggle to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and completing appointments or getting kids ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying on task at work, and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desk.
It is crucial for a doctor to look at all of these symptoms and how they affect a person's life before making the diagnosis of ADHD. Some people have ADHD in many areas of their lives, whereas others have only one problem like work or relationships. Signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention are all considered in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health care professional will conduct an extensive mental assessment and will consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For example stress and head injuries, mood disorders, thyroid issues, certain medications and other physical conditions could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If untreated, ADHD may result in these psychiatric conditions that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator may also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic element. It's well known that ADHD is largely heritable and research suggests that 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. Other non-genetic factors that could cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing moment. Many people are relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles. Some are relieved they understand what is causing their issues. In the past, the belief was that only boys who are hyperactive are diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has resulted in women's symptoms being overlooked for too long. This is the reason 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.