Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be the primary care physician psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they impact daily life. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than just one place, like school or at work. Identifying Symptoms Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for years. However, they may not have realized they suffered from a mental disorder. Others get a diagnosis after they realize that their work performance is declining or their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but can be stressful for those at different stages of their lives. https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/ of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. For instance, someone suffering from ADHD might fidget in their seat while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or have trouble waiting for their turn in line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. Those with ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily. In children, the signs of ADHD are more evident however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may appear less obviously. For instance in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running and running around, while adults may exhibit these symptoms more subtly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could have difficulty sitting still during long conversations or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money on unneeded things. They may also have trouble resisting the urge to buy something and delaying their satisfaction. This can lead to issues at home or 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 medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and review their medical, educational and developmental history. They may also speak to teachers, family members or employers to better understand the person's struggles. A diagnosis of ADHD is when the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple areas of one's life, including their job, school or social life. Medical Histories The American Psychiatric Association publishes diagnostic guidelines for ADHD in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition" (DSM-5). Your doctor will examine your medical, family, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is important that you are honest and forthcoming with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since they cannot diagnose you without this information. Some doctors request their patients to interview loved ones -- spouses, parents or siblings, for instance- about the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear understanding of the challenges their loved ones face and can help strengthen the relationship in the near future. ADHD symptoms in adults could depend on the specific situation but they are generally very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults often suffer from their symptoms in more complicated ways than children, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their work, social, and school lives. For instance, adults with ADHD may not be able to manage their time as well as children, and they may have more difficulty finding jobs or maintaining relationships. To determine the diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical examination, which typically consists of 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 could cause ADHD. You and your family will be required to fill out questionnaires regarding the symptoms that have affected you. When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD as a group, it is important to look into any comorbid conditions they might have, such as depression or anxiety that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment which can be internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities, which causes them to flare up more frequently. This can have a major impact on your quality-of-life which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and other comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a healthcare specialist to determine if a person has ADHD. This involves a thorough discussion with the patient, complete medical history of the family and a thorough examination of documents. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD seek a diagnosis when they realize that their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. Their work may be affected by late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may struggle in their relationships as they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in chaos because they aren't paying attention to their children or keep up with their chores. It is important to remember that many people who don't suffer from ADHD experience some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments can all trigger similar symptoms. It is important to seek the advice of an expert and have a thorough assessment. A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's spouse or parents, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily functioning. In addition, a mental health professional will assess the individual by using a set of standardized tests that measure their cognitive abilities. These might 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 an individual suffers from ADHD symptoms. Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that an individual participate in an experimental study to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial may 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 knowing more, talk to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. They may be struggling to keep up with daily tasks like cleaning the house, remembering to make and keep appointments, or getting their children ready for school. They might also have difficulty staying on task in the workplace and may appear agitated or "on-edge" when they are sitting at their desk. It's important for a doctor to take into consideration all of these symptoms and how they affect the person's life prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. Certain people suffer from ADHD in a variety of areas of their lives, whereas others are only affected by one issue like relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. A medical professional will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and take into account other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. Stress depression, mood disorders, and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments may also cause similar symptoms. It's also important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator may take a look at the family history of ADHD to see whether there is a genetic element. It is well-known that ADHD is mostly hereditary, and research suggests that around 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is inherited. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. Many people are relieved to finally find a reason for their issues. Others are relieved they know what is causing their problems. In the past, the belief was that only hyperactive little boys can be diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to many women's symptoms being overlooked for too long. This is the reason why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and to share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.