Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms and how they impact everyday life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than just one environment, such as school or work. Identifying signs Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for a long time but might not be aware that they suffer from a mental health issue. Others receive a diagnosis when they notice their relationships or their work performance are suffering. A diagnosis could be a surprise, but it can also feel overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives. Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are a few of the most common ADHD symptoms in adults. For example, someone who suffers from ADHD may flitter around in their chair while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait their turn in line. They may forget things easily, or struggle to finish tasks in time. Additionally, people with ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become frustrated and emotional quickly. ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, while the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less evident in adults. For instance when children are hyperactive, it can manifest as running and jumping around, whereas adults can display these symptoms more subduedly through shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could be unable to remain still for long conversations or while reading the book. Adults with ADHD might also have issues in controlling their impulses, which can lead to reckless behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also have a hard time resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can cause problems at home or at work. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which could make it hard for them to keep track of their finances or their bills. A health care professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational history, and inquire about their current functioning. They can also talk to teachers, family members, or employers in order to better understand the person's struggles. A person must 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 impact various aspects of a person's daily life, including school, work, 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 as well as family and work records to determine whether you fit these criteria. It is important that you are honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask patients to ask family members, like spouses, parents or siblings, about the effect ADHD-related behaviors have on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the issues their loved ones face and may help the relationship in the near future. https://www.openlearning.com/u/fournierklint-sj9xvx/blog/10QuickTipsOnAdhdUndiagnosedInAdults in adults could differ based on the circumstances, but they are often very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults usually suffer from ADHD in a more complicated manner than children, and these symptoms can have more impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children, and they may experience difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships. For diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical exam, and laboratory tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you. It is crucial to take into account any comorbid conditions that adults with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment which can be internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can lead to a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, which causes flare-ups to occur more often. This can have a major impact on your life quality which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation If a healthcare professional is trying to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological evaluation. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, complete medical history of the family, 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 person to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they notice their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their life. Their work may be affected by the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They may have difficulty in their relationships because they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in disarray due to their inability to keep up with chores or take care of their children. It is important to keep in mind that many people who do not have ADHD have some of these symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments. As a result it is essential to speak with a health professional and undergo a thorough assessment. A psychological evaluation will also provide a thorough analysis of the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak to the person's parents or spouse or other family members to get their opinion on the person's behavior and how it affects their daily life. A mental health professional could also utilize a set of tests that are standardised to gauge the person's cognitive abilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can be used to determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms. Mental health professionals may recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether they are hyperactive. Although participating in a trial could be beneficial, it is important to be aware that these trials are primarily designed to gain new knowledge in science and not to treat any particular health issues. If you're interested in knowing more about clinical trials, talk with your physician or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to maintain stability at home or at work. They may be struggling to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have trouble staying on task at work, and they often seem anxious or "on edge" while sitting in the office. It is crucial for a doctor to look at all these symptoms and how they affect the person's life prior to making a diagnosis of ADHD. Some people have ADHD-related problems throughout their lives, while others only struggle with one area such as relationships or work. Signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all considered in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman, 2015). A health professional will conduct a thorough mental evaluation and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For instance stress depression, mood disorders, head injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions, and other physical ailments may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also crucial to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD may lead to these psychiatric disorders, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator may also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic component. It is widely known that ADHD is mostly hereditary and research suggests that around 70%-80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. Other non-genetic factors that can cause the development of ADHD include a low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing event. Some find it a relief to finally understand the reason for their struggles. Others are relieved they understand the root of their problems. In the past, the belief has been that only boys who are hyperactive are diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has resulted in women's symptoms being ignored for too long. 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.