Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This might include a primary care provider psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than one environment, such as school or at work. Identifying the symptoms Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for a long time however, they might not realize that they suffer from a mental health condition. Other people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or their work performance are being affected. A diagnosis could be a revelation, but it can also feel overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are some of the most prevalent ADHD symptoms that adults experience. People who suffers from ADHD might be distracted while listening to a lecture or wait in line. They may also have difficulty finishing tasks on time or losing things easily. Those with ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily. ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. For children, hyperactivity could manifest as jumping and running, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They may also have trouble being still during a long conversation or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle with impulse control, which can lead to taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also have difficulty resisting the urge to buy something and delaying their satisfaction. This can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also have issues with organization, which could make it difficult to keep track of their finances or their bills. A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and look over their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They may also speak to teachers, family members, or employers in order to better understand a person's struggles. A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for at least 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and have an impact on several aspects of a person's life, including their school, job or social life. Medical History 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 go over your personal, family, medical and work history to determine whether your symptoms match these requirements. It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your symptoms since they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask patients to interview family members, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, about the effect the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD develop an accurate understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It also can help strengthen the relationship in the future. Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary depending on the situation, but they often have a lot in common with the behaviors that characterized the condition during childhood. One of the main differences is that adults often experience their symptoms in more intricate ways than children, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their social, work and school lives. For instance, adults who have ADHD might not be able to manage their time as well as children and they may experience more difficulty finding jobs or maintaining relationships. Your doctor will perform a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This includes an interview with you and any significant people in your lives as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. You and your family members will also be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding the symptoms that have affected you. When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD in the same way, it's important to take into consideration any comorbidities they may have, such as anxiety or depression that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or underachievement, which are internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can create an endless cycle of untreated symptoms of ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities, causing them to recur more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your life quality which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological assessment is typically performed by a healthcare provider to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough discussion with the patient, a complete family medical history and an extensive review of the documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask the patient to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD typically do so because they realize that their symptoms affect multiple aspects of their lives. Their work may suffer because of late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may have problems in their relationships if they can't listen or wait their turn. Their home life may be in disarray due to their inability to keep up with chores or take care of their children. It is important to remember that many people who do not have ADHD have the same symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, including stress, other mental health issues and physical ailments. https://chessdatabase.science/wiki/How_Do_I_Explain_ADHD_Diagnose_To_A_5YearOld is crucial to seek advice from a professional and undergo a thorough evaluation. A psychological evaluation will involve an in-depth look at the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to obtain their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily functioning and relationships. A mental health professional may also employ a series of standard tests to assess the person's cognitive abilities. These tests could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can determine whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD. Sometimes, mental health professionals will suggest that an individual participate in an experimental study to try out new treatments for ADHD. Although participating in a trial could be beneficial, you must understand that these studies are designed to gather new information in the field of science, not to treat specific health issue. If you are interested in knowing more about clinical trials, talk with your doctor or go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD struggle to maintain stability at home or at work. They may have difficulty keeping up with the daily chores like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They may also have difficulty working on time and are often anxious or "on edge" when they are in the office. It's important for a doctor to look at all these symptoms and how they affect the person's life prior to making a diagnosis of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, whereas others only struggle with specific areas like relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. A health care professional will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and will consider other factors that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress depression, mood disorders, and head injuries can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments may also cause similar symptoms. It's also important to determine whether a person has comorbidities like anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD may lead to these psychiatric disorders that can cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator will also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic element. Research has shown that up to 80 percent of ADHD risk is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to developing 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. Some find it a relief to finally find a reason for their issues. Some are relieved they understand what is causing their problems. The traditional belief has been that only hyperactive boys are diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has resulted in women's symptoms being overlooked for a long time. 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.