Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as how they affect the daily routine. The symptoms must be present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one setting like school or work.
Identifying the symptoms
Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for years, but they might not realize that they have a mental health condition. Others get a diagnosis after they discover that their work productivity is suffering or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a surprise, but it can also be overwhelming for people at various stages of their lives.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD might squirm in their seat as they listen to an educational lecture at work, or have trouble waiting for their turn in line. They might also have trouble finishing tasks on time or forgetting things quickly. Additionally, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become angry and emotionally tense easily.
adhd diagnosis uk adults are more apparent in children, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can be less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest as jumping and running, while adults may display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could be unable to sit still for long conversations or while reading an article.
Adults with ADHD may also have issues with controlling their impulses. This can lead to risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money on unneeded things. They might also have difficulty resisting the urge to buy something and delaying their satisfaction. This can cause problems at work or at home. People with ADHD often have difficulty in organising their lives. This could make it difficult to keep up with their expenses or financial obligations.
A health professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will look at the person's medical, developmental and educational history, and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also interview relatives, teachers or employers to get more insight into the struggles of a person.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when an individual has multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have been evident before the age of 12, and they must affect a number of areas of a person's life, like school, work, or social life.
Medical Histories
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 look over your medical, family, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that meet these criteria. It is crucial that you are honest and forthcoming with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they cannot diagnose you without this information. Some doctors request their patients to talk with loved ones, such as spouses, parents, or siblings, for example -- about the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This will help the person with no ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved one faces. It can also enhance the relationship.
ADHD symptoms in adults may vary depending on the situation but they are generally identical to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults typically experience their symptoms in more complicated ways than children do and their symptoms can have a bigger impact on their work, social and school life. For instance, adults with ADHD might not be able to manage their time as well as children, and they may have more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
For the purpose of diagnosis your doctor will conduct a thorough medical examination, which typically consists of an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical exam, and laboratory tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. Additionally, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected your life.
It is essential to take into account any comorbid conditions that adults with ADHD may suffer from, for example depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment that are interpreted as stress or anger that is persistent. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare-up even more frequently. This can have a major impact on your life quality, so it's important to treat the ADHD and co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is typically performed by a health care provider to determine if someone has ADHD. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, including a full medical history of the family, and looking over documents. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms using scales of rating and questionnaires that are standardised.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they realize that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. Their work could be affected by the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They might struggle in their relationships as they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be chaotic because they don't pay attention to children or keep up with their chores.
It is important to recognize that many people who don't have ADHD suffer from the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms. It is essential to seek the advice of a professional and have a thorough assessment.
A psychological assessment will include a detailed look at the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might be able to talk to the person's parents, spouse or other family members to find out their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily functioning.
Additionally, a mental health professional will evaluate the person using a series of standardized tests that are designed to assess their cognitive capabilities. These tests may 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 may suggest that an individual participate in an experimental study to try out new treatments for ADHD. Although participating in a trial can be beneficial, you must understand that these studies are designed to gather new scientific information and not to treat particular health issues. If you're interested in learning more, speak to your physician or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.
Social Evaluation
Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at home or work environment. They may struggle to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and completing appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have difficulty keeping their focus at work, and often appear restless or "on-edge" when they sit at their desk.
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 throughout their lives, while others have only one problem such as work or relationships. Symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention are all used in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health care professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical conditions may cause similar symptoms. It is crucial to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities like anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD can result in these psychiatric conditions and can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic cause. It is well-known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that about 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to developing ADHD include a low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or birth prematurely.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life-changing moment. For some, it gives an answer to their issues, while others feel relief knowing the root of their problems. Historically, the myth was that only boys who are hyperactive can be diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has led to 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 own experiences as an ADHD woman.