Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary health care practitioner psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as how they impact the daily routine. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one environment, such as school or work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from symptoms for many years. But, they may not have realized they had a mental illness. Others get a diagnosis after they realize that their work performance is declining or their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a shock, but it can also feel overwhelming for people at different stages of life.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. A person suffering from ADHD may fidget during an audio lecture or waiting in the line. They might forget things easily, or have trouble finishing tasks within the timeframe. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble calming down and can become frustrated and emotionally tense easily.
In children, signs of ADHD are more obvious however, in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may appear less obviously. For instance when children are hyperactive, it can manifest as running and jumping around, but adults might display these signs more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They may also have trouble being still during long conversations or reading an article.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also have problems with controlling their impulses. This could lead to risky behaviours like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay gratification and this can lead to issues at work or home. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which can make it hard for them to keep track of their finances or their bills.
A medical professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and examine their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They may also interview relatives, teachers or employers to get more insight into the challenges a person faces.
A person must have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple areas of one's life, including their job, school 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 examine your medical, family, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that fit these criteria. It is important to be honest and forthcoming with your doctor about your symptoms, as they cannot diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask patients to talk to family members, including spouses, parents, or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This helps the non-ADHD person to gain a clear understanding of the issues their loved ones face and may help the relationship in the near future.
Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary according to the situation, but a lot of them have a lot in common with the behaviors that characterized the condition in childhood. The main difference is that adults tend to suffer from the condition in more complicated ways than children do, and their symptoms are more affecting their work, social, and school lives. Adults with ADHD might not be able to manage their time in the same way as children and may have difficulties keeping relationships in place or finding a job.
To determine the diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family will also be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, it is also important to take into consideration any comorbidities they may have, such as depression or anxiety that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they can contribute to feelings of anger and frustration that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can lead to an unending cycle of ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities, which causes flare-ups to occur more often. This can have a significant impact on your daily life which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and comorbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment 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 an extensive review of medical records. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms on scales of standardization and questionnaires.
Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD often do so because they notice that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. They may be unable to perform well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They could have issues with their relationships if they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos because they don't pay attention to children or complete their chores.
It is important to note that many people who don't have ADHD experience similar symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms. It is important to seek out the advice of a professional and undergo a thorough evaluation.
A psychological assessment may also include a thorough examination of the person's past, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak to the person's spouse or parents or other family members to gain their opinion on the person's behavior and how it affects their daily life.
In addition an expert in mental health will evaluate the person with a series of standard tests designed to measure their cognitive capabilities. These tests could 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 help determine if an individual has symptoms of ADHD.
Sometimes mental health professionals may recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in adult adhd diagnosis uk can be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the primary purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health issue. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, speak with your doctor or go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many people who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their home or workplace. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks such as cleaning the house or remembering to schedule and keep appointments or getting their children ready for school. They may also have difficulty keeping their work on track and often appear uneasy or "on edge" when they are in the office.
It is essential for a doctor to take into consideration all of these symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making an assessment of ADHD. Some people struggle with ADHD throughout their lives, while others have only one problem like work or relationships. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
A medical professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress depression, mood disorders, and head injuries can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments may also cause similar symptoms. It's also important to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to these mental disorders and can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The evaluator can also look into the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic component. It is widely known that ADHD is largely heritable, and research suggests that 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy and premature birth are all non-genetic causes that contribute to ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. For some, it provides an explanation for their issues and others feel relieved knowing the root of their problems. Historically, the myth has been 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 share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.