Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could be the primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they interfere with daily life. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one environment like school or at work.
Identifying symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from symptoms for many years. But, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental illness. adhd diagnosis uk adults receive a diagnosis when they notice that their work productivity is declining or their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, 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 inattention. A person suffering from ADHD might be distracted when they are listening to a lecture or waiting in the line. They may forget things easily, or struggle to complete tasks on time. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become frustrated and emotional easily.
ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, while the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. For instance in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running or running around, while adults can display these symptoms more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they may be unable to remain still during long conversations or reading the book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with control of their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They might also have trouble resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can lead to problems at work or at home. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling organizing their lives, which can make it difficult to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will review a person's developmental, medical and educational history and inquire about their current performance. They may also interview family members and teachers to get a better understanding of the struggles of a person.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and they must impact many areas of one's life including school, work, or 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 go over your family, personal, medical and work history to identify symptoms that meet these requirements. It is essential that you are honest and open with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask patients to talk to family members, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, about the impact ADHD-related behaviors have on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual gain a better understanding the challenges their loved ones face. It may also improve the relationship between them.
ADHD symptoms in adults could depend on the specific situation but they are generally very similar to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults typically experience their symptoms in more complicated ways than children do, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their social, work and school life. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time the same way as children and may have difficulties maintaining relationships or obtaining a job.
Your doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This involves an interview with yourself and any significant individuals in your life, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. You and your family will also be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected you.
It is crucial to take into account any comorbid conditions that people with ADHD might have, like anxiety or depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. If these conditions aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and underachievement that are internalized as stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing flare-ups to occur more often. This can have a significant impact on your quality-of-life, so it's important to address the ADHD and comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care provider wants to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, including a full family medical history, and reviewing documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how it affects their daily lives. They will ask the person to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their lives. They might not be able to be effective in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They may have difficulty in their relationships because they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos due to their inability to keep up with chores or take care of their children.
It is important to recognize that many people who do not suffer from ADHD suffer from similar symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues and physical ailments. It is essential to seek the advice of a professional and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment will provide a thorough analysis of the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other family members to obtain their perspective on how the person's behaviors affect their daily lives and relationships.
Additionally a mental health professional will evaluate the person by using a set of standardized tests that measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests may 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 help determine if an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in a clinical trial to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it's crucial to realize that the primary purpose of these studies is to acquire new knowledge in science, 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 workplace. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks such as cleaning the house or remembering to make appointments and keep them or getting their children ready for school. They may also have difficulty working on time and are often anxious or "on edge" while sitting in the office.
It's important for a doctor to look at all these symptoms and how they affect the life of a person prior to making an assessment of ADHD. Some people have ADHD-related problems throughout their lives, whereas others are only struggling with particular areas, such as relationships or work. The signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all considered in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD (Austerman 2015).
A medical professional will conduct an extensive mental assessment and will consider other factors that could trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments could cause similar symptoms. It's also important to determine if a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders and may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator can also look into 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 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, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering moment. For some, it gives an explanation for their struggles, while others feel relief knowing the reason behind their struggles. The traditional belief has been that only hyperactive boys can be diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has led to many women's symptoms being ignored for too long. This is why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.