Diagnosing ADHD in Adults

A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This might include an primary care physician psychologist, psychiatrist or psychiatrist.

A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms and how they impact everyday life. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing problems in more than one place, like school or at work.

Identifying symptoms

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for years, but they may not know that they have an illness of the mind. Some people are diagnosed after they discover that their work performance is declining or their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but it can also be overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are a few of the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among adults. People who suffers from ADHD might flutter their arms while listening to a lecture or waiting in line. They might also have trouble finishing tasks on time or forgetting things quickly. People suffering from ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.

ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest as jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could be unable to remain still during long conversations or while reading the book.

Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with control of their impulses. This can lead to risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and defergratification which can cause issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also have issues with organization, which can make it difficult to keep the track of their finances or their bills.

A health care professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current performance and review their medical background, educational and developmental history. They can also talk to family members, teachers, or employers in order to understand a person's challenges.

A person must have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple areas of a person’s life, including their school, job 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 medical and family histories to identify symptoms that meet these criteria. It is essential that you are honest and transparent with your doctor about your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors request their patients to speak with family members -- spouses, parents, or siblings, for instanceregarding the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This helps the non-ADHD person to gain a clear knowledge of the difficulties their loved ones face. It also can help strengthen the relationship in the near future.

ADHD symptoms in adults can differ based on the circumstances but they are generally very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. The main difference is that adults often suffer from the condition in more intricate ways than children do, and their symptoms have a greater impact on their work, social, and school life. Adults with ADHD might not be able manage their time the same way as children and may have difficulties keeping relationships in place or finding a job.

For the purpose of diagnosis your doctor will conduct a thorough medical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause ADHD. You and your family will be required to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you.

It is crucial to consider any comorbid conditions that adults with ADHD may suffer from, for example depression or anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or underachievement that are interpreted as stress or anger that is persistent. This can result in a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, which causes them to flare-up even more frequently. This can have a major impact on your quality-of-life, so it's important to treat the adhd adult diagnosis and the other comorbidities.

Psychological Evaluation

If a healthcare professional is trying to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and a thorough review of medical records. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.

Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they realize that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. Their work could suffer because of late 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 may be in disarray because they are unable to keep up with chores or take care of their children.

It is important to recognize that many people who don't suffer from ADHD experience some of the same symptoms. A variety of factors can cause similar issues, such as stress, mental health issues and physical ailments. It is important to seek advice from an expert and have a thorough assessment.

A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth examination of the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's spouse, parents or other relatives close to them to obtain their perspective on how the person's behaviors affect their daily lives and relationships.

Additionally a mental health professional will examine the patient using a series of standardized tests that are designed to assess their cognitive capabilities. These tests could 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 determine if an individual suffers from ADHD symptoms.

Mental health professionals might recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether they are susceptible to ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it's important to understand that the primary goal of these studies is to gain new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested in learning more, consult your physician 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 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 difficulty working on time and are often restless or "on edge" while sitting in the office.

It is crucial for a doctor to look at the various symptoms and how they affect the person's life prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. Some people have ADHD-related problems in multiple areas of their lives, while others are only struggling with specific areas like work or relationships. The criteria to diagnose ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.

A health care professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and take into account other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. For example, stress depression, head injuries, mood disorders and certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical ailments can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also essential to determine whether a person suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can result in these mental disorders and may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.

The evaluator may also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic component. It is well-known that ADHD is largely inherited and research suggests that 70% to 80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic causes that can cause ADHD.

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering moment. For some, it provides an explanation for their struggles and for others, it brings relief knowing what's causing their challenges. This belief led to women's symptoms not being recognized for too long. Hamdani who is popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD women.