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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist . The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and quantity of symptoms, and how they impact the daily routine. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause impairment in multiple settings like work or school. Identifying signs Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from symptoms for years. But, they may not have known that they suffered from a mental disorder. Some people are diagnosed after they notice that their work productivity is suffering or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a revelation but it can also be a source of anxiety for people at various stages of their lives. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. A person with ADHD might flutter their arms while listening to an audio lecture or waiting in line. They may also have difficulty finishing tasks on time or losing things easily. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble relaxing and may become frustrated and emotional quickly. ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest in running and jumping and bouncing, while adults might exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might be unable to remain still during long conversations or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty in controlling their impulses which can result in taking risks, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay gratification which can cause issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which can make it difficult for them to keep track of their finances or their bills. A medical professional will perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will ask about the person's current performance and examine their medical and educational history as well as developmental. They may also interview relatives and teachers to gain a better understanding of the struggles of a person. A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for at least 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and have an impact on several areas of one'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 medical, family, and work histories to identify symptoms that meet these criteria. It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your symptoms since they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to talk with family members — spouses, parents, or siblings, for instanceto discuss the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This could help the person who is not suffering from ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It may also improve the relationship. Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary according to the situation, but a lot of them have a lot in common with the behaviors that characterize the condition during childhood. Adults often experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and the symptoms have more impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be able to manage their time like children, and they may have more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships. For diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical assessment, which usually 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 issues that can affect ADHD. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding issues that have affected your life. It is crucial to consider any comorbidities that people with ADHD may suffer from, for example depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. If these conditions aren't treated, they could lead to feelings of anger and frustration which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an unending cycle of ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more often. This can have a major impact on your quality-of-life which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and other comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation If a healthcare professional is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD They usually conduct a psychological examination. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, taking a thorough medical history of the family, and examining documents. They will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales and questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they realize that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. Their work might be affected due to late deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could be having issues in their relationships if they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos due to their inability to keep up with chores or attend to their children. It is important to remember that many people who don't have ADHD suffer from similar symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, including stress, other mental health issues, as well as physical illnesses. As a result, it is important to speak with a health professional and to conduct a thorough evaluation. A psychological assessment will provide a thorough analysis of the person's background, including their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily functioning. A mental health professional could also utilize a set of standard tests to assess the person's cognitive abilities. These tests may 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 determine whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals might recommend that a person take part in a study to determine whether or not they are ADHD-prone. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is important to recognize that the primary purpose of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in knowing more, consult your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering to make appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble staying on task in the workplace and often appear restless or “on-edge” when they are sitting at their desks. Before diagnosing ADHD, it's important that a doctor considers all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's everyday life. Some people struggle with ADHD in many areas of their life, while others have only one problem such as work or relationships. The criteria for determining ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. A medical professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For instance, stress, mood disorders, head injuries, thyroid issues, certain medications and other physical conditions could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's important to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities like depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can result in these psychiatric conditions and can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator may also examine the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there is an inheritance component. Research suggests that as much as 80% of ADHD risk is inherited. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD include a low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. Many people are relieved to finally understand the reason for their struggles. Others are relieved they know what is causing their issues. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. Hamdani, who is known as The Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths associated with ADHD and share her own experiences as an ADHD women.