Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This might include an primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms and how they impact daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one setting, such as school or at work. Identifying the symptoms Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been living with symptoms for years. However, they may not have realized that they had a mental illness. Some people are diagnosed after they notice that their work performance is suffering or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a shock, but it can also be overwhelming for people at various stages of their lives. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. People with ADHD may fidget during a lecture or wait in line. They might also have trouble finishing tasks on time or forgetting things easily. People suffering from ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily. In children, symptoms of ADHD are more apparent however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity may not be as obvious. For children, hyperactivity could manifest as jumping and running, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They might also have difficulty staying still while listening to an extended conversation or reading the book. Adults with ADHD may also have issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary things. They might also have trouble resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can cause problems at home or work. People with ADHD typically have issues with organization. This makes it difficult to keep up with their bills or finances. A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and examine their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They might also talk to teachers, family members or employers to better understand a person's challenges. A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present before the age 12 and must affect several aspects of a person's life such as 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 review your family, personal medical, and work history to determine whether your symptoms meet these guidelines. During this process, it is essential to be honest and honest with your health care provider about your concerns since they aren't able to diagnose you without that information. Some doctors request their patients to speak with family members -- spouses, parents or siblings, for example -to discuss the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the issues their loved ones face. It also could help their relationship in the near future. Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many have a lot in common with the behavior that was characteristic of the condition in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to suffer from the condition in more intricate ways than children do, and their symptoms are more affecting their work, social, and school life. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not be able manage their time in the same way as children, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or obtaining jobs. For the purpose of diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other significant 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 complete questionnaires about the symptoms that have affected you. When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD in the same way, it's important to consider any other comorbid conditions they may suffer from, like depression or anxiety that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of frustration or unfulfillment, which are internalized as stress or anger that is persistent. This can result in an endless cycle of symptoms that are not treated for ADHD exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to recur more frequently. This can have a significant effect on your quality of life, which is why it is important to treat both the comorbidities and the ADHD. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is usually performed by a healthcare specialist to determine if a person has ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, complete family medical history and a thorough examination of medical records. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. https://notes.io/wmBfu will ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD do so when they notice their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. They may not be able to do well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They could have issues with their relationships if they are unable to listen or wait their turn. Their home life may be in chaos because they aren't paying attention to their children or complete their chores. It is important to remember that many people who do not have ADHD also suffer from certain symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses. As a result, it is important to consult a health care expert and undergo a thorough assessment. A psychological evaluation will involve an in-depth examination of the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other family members to get their perspectives about how the person's actions have affected their daily functioning and relationships. In addition, a mental health professional will examine the patient with a series of standard tests that measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests can 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 be used to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD symptoms. Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that a person take part in an experimental study to try out new treatments for ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it is important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to acquire new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health issue. If you're interested in knowing more about clinical trials, consult with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to stay in a stable state at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home or remembering to schedule and keep appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have trouble keeping their work on track and are often restless or "on edge" when they are in the office. Before diagnosing ADHD, it's important that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's daily life. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, while others have issues in just one area such as relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. A health professional will perform a thorough mental evaluation and also consider other elements that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine if a person has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could cause psychiatric disorders that can cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator can also look into the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's an inheritance component. It is well-known that ADHD is largely heritable and research suggests that 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. A low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic causes which can contribute to ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For some, it provides an answer to their difficulties, while others feel relief that they know what's causing their challenges. This belief system led to women's symptoms not being considered serious for a long time. Hamdani, who is known as The Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok is determined to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.