Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include the primary care physician psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and quantity of symptoms, and how they affect daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be causing problems in more than one place, like school or at work.
Identifying symptoms
Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for years, but they might not be aware that they have a mental health condition. Others receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or work performance are suffering. A diagnosis could be a surprise however it can also be a source of anxiety for people at various stages of their lives.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are among the most common ADHD symptoms among adults. For instance, someone with ADHD may flitter around in their chair while they listen to an audio lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things easily. Additionally, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become frustrated and emotional quickly.
ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. For instance, in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running and running around, while adults may exhibit these symptoms more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might be unable to sit still during long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also have problems with control of their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unneeded items. They might be unable to resist temptation and delay gratification, which can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD also have issues organizing their lives, which can make it difficult for them to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if a person has ADHD. They will ask about the person's current performance and look over their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They might also talk to relatives as well as teachers or employers to gain more insight into a person's struggles.
A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12, and they must affect many areas of one's life including school, work or their 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 personal, family, medical and work history to determine whether your symptoms match these guidelines. During this process, it is important to be open and honest with your doctor about your problems because they can't diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask patients to ask family members, including parents, spouses, or siblings, about the effect ADHD-related behavior has on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear understanding of the challenges their loved ones face and could help their relationship in the near future.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk in adults can differ based on the circumstances, but they are often identical to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. The main difference is that adults often suffer from their symptoms in more complicated ways than children, and their symptoms are more affecting their work, social, and school lives. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able to manage their time in the like children and may have difficulties keeping relationships in place or finding an employment.
For diagnosis your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and lab tests to rule out any other medical issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires on symptoms that have affected you.
It is essential to take into account any comorbidities that people with ADHD might have, like anxiety or depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. If these disorders aren't treated, they can contribute to feelings of anger and frustration that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can create an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing flare-ups to occur more often. This can have a huge impact on your quality-of-life and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and the comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a health care doctor to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough discussion 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 impact their daily lives. They will ask the patient to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD seek a diagnosis when they observe that their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. Their work could be affected by missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may struggle in their relationships because they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they don't pay attention to children or complete their chores.
It is important to remember that many people who do not have ADHD experience some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. As a result, it is important to consult a health care professional and conduct a thorough evaluation.
A psychological evaluation will also include a detailed look at the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily functioning and relationships.
Additionally, a mental health professional will assess the individual by using a set of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests can include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can help determine if an individual suffers from ADHD symptoms.
Sometimes mental health professionals may recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study can be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to obtain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health problem. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, consult with your physician or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to keep their balance at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering to make appointments and keep them or getting their children ready for school. They might also have trouble working on time and are often uneasy or "on edge" when sitting in the office.
It is essential for a doctor to look at the various symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making the diagnosis of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others have issues in just one area such as work or relationships. Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all used in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and take into account other factors that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical ailments could cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine whether a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these mental disorders, and they may make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator will take a look at the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic element. Research shows that up to 80% of ADHD risk is inherited. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD include low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-altering experience. For some, it provides a concrete explanation for their difficulties and others feel relieved that they now know the root of their problems. This belief led to women's symptoms not being recognized for too long. This is 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.