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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary health care practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms and how they affect everyday life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than one setting such as school or at work. Identifying symptoms Many adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have lived with their symptoms for years but may not know that they suffer from a mental health condition. Other people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or their work performance are suffering. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but can be a bit overwhelming for people in different stages of their lives. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. Someone who suffers from ADHD may fidget during a lecture or waiting in the line. They might also have trouble finishing tasks on time or losing things easily. People suffering from ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily. ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity may manifest in running and jumping and bouncing, while adults might manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. Additionally, they might have difficulty sitting still during long conversations or while reading a book. Adults with ADHD may also struggle with impulse control, which can lead to reckless behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay the gratification which can cause issues at work or home. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which can make it difficult to keep on top of their finances and their bills. A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational history, and inquire regarding their current functioning. They might also talk to family members, teachers or employers to understand a person's challenges. A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they must affect various aspects of a person's life, including school, work, or social life. Medical Histories 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 go over your personal, family medical, and work history to determine whether your symptoms match these criteria. In this process, it is important to be open and honest with your doctor regarding your issues since they aren't able to diagnose you without that information. Some doctors will ask patients to interview family members, including parents, spouses, or siblings, about the effect ADHD-related behavior has on their lives. This helps the non-ADHD person to gain a clear understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It also may help the relationship in the near 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 in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults tend to suffer from their symptoms in more intricate ways than children, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their work, social and school lives. Adults suffering from ADHD may not be able manage their time in the same way as children and may have difficulty keeping relationships in place or finding an employment. Your doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This will include an interview with you and any significant people who are in your life and a physical examination and laboratory tests. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected your. It is crucial to consider any comorbid disorders that adults with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of frustration or underachievement, which are internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more often. This can have a major impact on your daily life, so it's important to address the ADHD and the other comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a health care doctor to determine if a patient has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, an exhaustive medical history of the family and a thorough review of documents. They will ask them to describe the symptoms and how it affects their daily life. They will ask the patient 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 various aspects of their life. Their work could be affected due to missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could have issues with their relationships if they don't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic 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 with ADHD also experience some of these symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, including stress, mental health issues, as well as physical illnesses. It is crucial to seek advice from an expert 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 also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other close relatives to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors affect their daily lives and relationships. In addition a mental health professional will evaluate the person by using a set of standardized tests that are designed to assess their cognitive capabilities. These tests could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can indicate whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals may recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether or not they are ADHD-prone. While participating in a clinical trial could be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested to learn more, speak to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. Read the Full Write-up may be struggling to keep up with daily tasks like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting kids ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying focused at work, and may appear agitated or “on-edge” when they are sitting at their desks. Before diagnosing ADHD it is crucial that a doctor evaluates all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others are only struggling with specific areas like work or relationships. Symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all included in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD (Austerman, 2015). A medical professional will conduct a thorough mental evaluation and also consider other elements that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Stress, 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 whether a person has comorbidities like anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these psychiatric disorders and can cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic component. Research has shown that up to 80% of ADHD risk is caused by genetics. Other factors that are not genetic and could cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight or exposure to toxins in pregnancy or having a premature birth. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing moment. For some, it offers a concrete explanation for their struggles and others feel relieved knowing the root of their problems. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. This is the reason 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.