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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary health care practitioner psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number and severity of symptoms and how they interfere with everyday life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than one place, like school or work. Identifying adhd diagnosed who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for years however, they might not be aware that they have a mental health issue. Others get a diagnosis after they realize that their work performance is declining or their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis can be a surprise, but it can also feel overwhelming for people at various stages of life. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. People suffering from ADHD might flutter their arms during a lecture or wait in line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things easily. Those with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily. ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. In children, hyperactivity may manifest as jumping and running, while adults may manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They may also have trouble being still during an extended conversation or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses which can result in risk-taking behaviors such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay the gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD typically have issues with organization. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with their expenses or financial obligations. A medical professional will perform an exhaustive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will look at the person's medical, developmental and educational background and inquire about their current performance. They can also talk to teachers, family members or employers to understand a person's struggles. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the person suffers from multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must be present before the age 12 and affect multiple areas of one'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 identify symptoms that match these guidelines. It is essential that you are honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients talk to family members, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This could help the person who is not suffering from ADHD get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved one faces. It could also help improve the relationship between them. ADHD symptoms in adults may vary depending on the situation but they are generally very similar to the symptoms that characterized ADHD in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to suffer from the condition in more intricate ways than children do and their symptoms can are more affecting their work, social, and school life. Adults with ADHD might not be able manage their time the same way as children and may have difficulty keeping relationships in place or finding an employment. To determine the diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause ADHD. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires on the issues that have affected your life. It is crucial to take into account any comorbidities that people with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. These disorders can cause feelings of frustration or underachievement that are interpreted as chronic anger or stress. This can lead to a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities, which causes them to flare up more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your life quality which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and other comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation When a health care provider is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological evaluation. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, complete medical history of the family, and a thorough examination of documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting multiple aspects of their lives. They might not be able to be effective in meetings or miss deadlines at work. They might struggle with their relationships due to the fact that they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic due to the fact that they don't pay attention to their children or manage their chores. It is important to remember that many people who don't suffer from ADHD have some of the same symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments. It is crucial to seek the advice of a professional and undergo a thorough evaluation. A psychological evaluation will also include a detailed look at the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other family members to obtain their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily functioning and relationships. A mental health professional may also use a series standardized tests to measure the ability of a person's brain. 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 be used to determine if a person has ADHD symptoms. Sometimes, mental health professionals will recommend that a person participate in an experimental study to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study could be beneficial, it's important to understand that the main purpose of these studies is to gain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, speak with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. Social Evaluation Many adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to stay in a stable state at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with their daily chores like cleaning the house or remembering to schedule and keep appointments, or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble staying focused in the workplace and are often seen as agitated or “on-edge” when they sit at their desk. It is essential for a doctor to look at the various symptoms and how they affect a person's life before making an assessment of ADHD. Some people have ADHD-related problems in multiple areas of their lives, whereas others have issues in just specific areas like relationships or work. The criteria to diagnose ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. A medical professional will conduct an exhaustive mental evaluation and also consider other elements that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Stress depression, mood disorders, and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments may also cause similar symptoms. It is also crucial to determine whether a person 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 may also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic element. Research suggests that as much as 80% of ADHD risk is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to developing ADHD include a low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be a life altering experience. For some, it gives a concrete explanation for their struggles, while others feel relief knowing the reason behind their struggles. In the past, the belief was that only boys who are hyperactive can be diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has resulted in women's symptoms being omitted 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 personal experiences as an ADHD woman.