Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary health care provider psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, and how they impact the daily routine. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing problems in more than just one place, like school or work.
Identifying Symptoms
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been living with symptoms for many years. However, they might not have realized that they suffered from a mental illness. Many people receive a diagnosis when they notice that their work performance is suffering or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis could be a surprise but it can also be a source of anxiety for people at various stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. A person who suffers from ADHD may fidget during a lecture or wait in the line. They might also have trouble working on their tasks in time or forgetting things quickly. Those with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
adult adhd diagnosis uk are more obvious in children, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less apparent in adults. For example, in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running and running around, while adults might display these signs more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could have difficulty sitting still for long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with controlling their impulses. This can lead to risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay the gratification which can cause issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which could make it hard for them to keep the track of their finances or their bills.
A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine whether an individual has ADHD. They will look at a person's developmental, medical and educational background and ask questions about their current functioning. They can also talk to family members, teachers, or employers in order to understand a person's challenges.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they must impact a number of areas of a person's daily life, such as 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 personal, family medical and work histories to determine if you have symptoms that meet these guidelines. In this process, it is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your concerns since they can't diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask patients to ask family members, including spouses, parents or siblings, about the impact ADHD-related behaviors have on their lives. This will help the person with no ADHD get a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It may also improve the relationship.
ADHD symptoms in adults may differ based on the circumstances, but they are often very similar to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to suffer from their symptoms in more complex ways than children and their symptoms can have a bigger impact on their work, social and school life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be capable of managing their time as well as children and they might have difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships.
Your doctor will conduct a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This will include an interview with you and any significant people in your life as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, it is also important to consider any other comorbid conditions they may suffer from, like depression or anxiety that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that are internalized as stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, which causes flare-ups to occur more frequently. This can have a huge impact on your daily life which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and the co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically conducted by a health care provider to determine if someone has ADHD. This involves a thorough discussion with the patient, a complete family medical history and a thorough review of medical records. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD seek a diagnosis when they notice their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their lives. They might not be able to do well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They might struggle in their relationships as they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they are unable to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children.
It is crucial to remember that many people without ADHD also suffer from some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments can all cause similar symptoms. As a result it is essential to seek out a health care professional and take a thorough examination.
A psychological evaluation will include a detailed look into the person's history, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's spouse, parents or other family members to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily life and relationships.
A mental health professional may also use a series standardized tests to measure the cognitive abilities of a person. They could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine if a person has ADHD symptoms.
Mental health professionals might suggest that a person participate in a study to determine if he or she is ADHD-prone. While participating in a clinical study could be beneficial, it's crucial to realize that the primary goal of these studies is to gain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested in knowing more, speak to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. They may struggle to keep up with the daily chores like cleaning the home, remembering and completing appointments, or getting children ready for school. They may also have difficulty staying on task at work and are often restless or "on edge" when sitting in the office.
It is crucial for a doctor to look at all of these symptoms and how they affect the life of a person prior to making a diagnosis of ADHD. Some people struggle with ADHD in many areas of their life, while others have a single issue such as work or relationships. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
A health professional will conduct an extensive mental health assessment and consider other factors that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress depression, mood disorders, and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions may also cause similar symptoms. It's also important to determine if a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can result in these psychiatric conditions and may make the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic cause. Research suggests that as much as 80 percent of ADHD risk is passed down through the family. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all factors that are not genetic that can cause ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. Some find it a relief to finally find a reason for their struggles. Some are relieved they know what is causing their problems. In the past, the belief has been that only boys who are hyperactive can be diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to many women's symptoms being omitted for far 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.