Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be the primary health care provider psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they impact daily life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than just one environment, such as school or work.
Identifying symptoms
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from symptoms for years. But, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental illness. Some people are diagnosed after they realize that their productivity at work is suffering or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can also be overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Someone who suffers from ADHD might be distracted during a lecture or wait in line. They might also have trouble getting their work done on time or forgetting things easily. Additionally, people with ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become angry and emotionally tense easily.
ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity may manifest itself in jumping and running, while adults may manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems sitting still when listening to long conversations or reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also have issues with controlling their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded items. They might also have trouble resisting the urge to buy something and delaying their satisfaction. This can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD typically have issues in organising their lives. This makes it difficult to keep track with their expenses or financial obligations.
A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's present functioning and review their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They may also interview family members and teachers to gain an understanding of a person's struggles.
A person must have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been evident before the age of 12, and they should affect many areas of one's life like school, work, or social life.
Medical Histories
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 review your family, personal medical and work histories to determine whether your symptoms satisfy these criteria. It is crucial that you are honest and transparent with your doctor about your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to talk with loved ones -- spouses, parents or siblings, for instance -- about the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This will help the person with no ADHD get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It can also enhance the relationship.
ADHD symptoms in adults could vary depending on the situation, but they are often identical to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults often suffer from their symptoms in more complex ways than children do, and their symptoms are more affecting their social, work and school life. For instance, adults who have ADHD might not be capable of managing their time as well as children and they may have more difficulty finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
Your doctor will perform an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This will include an interview with yourself and any significant individuals in your life as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. Additionally to this, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you in your life.
When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD, it is also important to look into any comorbidities they may suffer from, like anxiety or depression that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they can contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that are internalized as stress or anger. This can result in an unending cycle of ADHD symptoms can worsen underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare-up even more often. This can have a huge impact on your daily life and therefore it is essential to address the ADHD and the comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
When a doctor wants to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and examining documents. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. I Am Psychiatry will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting multiple aspects of their lives. Their work could be affected by missed 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 could be in chaos because they are unable to keep up with chores or attend to their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people who do not have ADHD also suffer from some of these symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, including stress, other mental health issues, as well as physical illnesses. It is crucial to seek out the advice of a professional and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological evaluation will involve a detailed look into the person's history, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak with the person's spouse, parents or other family members to get their perspectives on how the person's behavior have affected their daily life and relationships.
A mental health professional may also employ a series of tests that are standardised to gauge the ability of a person's brain. They could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can be used to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD symptoms.
Mental health professionals may recommend that a person take part in a study to determine whether they are susceptible to ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the main purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials, talk with your physician or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their workplace or at home. They may have difficulty keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble staying on task in the workplace, and are often seen as agitated or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desk.
It is essential for a doctor to look at the various symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making an assessment of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, whereas others only struggle with specific areas like relationships or work. The criteria to diagnose ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
A health care professional will perform an exhaustive mental evaluation and will consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It is important to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD may lead to these psychiatric disorders, which could make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will take a look at the family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic cause. It's well known that ADHD is largely heritable, and research suggests that 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that could contribute to the development of ADHD include low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. For some, it gives an explanation for their difficulties and for others, it brings relief that they know the reason behind their struggles. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. 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.