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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care 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 number of symptoms, and how they affect the daily routine. The symptoms must be present since childhood and cause impairment in multiple settings, such as work or school. Identifying Symptoms Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time. But, they may not have known that they had a mental illness. Other people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or their work performance are affected. ADHD Diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can be a bit overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Someone suffering from ADHD may fidget when they are listening to a lecture or waiting in the line. They may forget things easily, or have trouble finishing tasks in time. Additionally, people with ADHD frequently have difficulty relaxing and may become angry and emotional quickly. ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less evident in adults. For example, in children, hyperactivity can manifest as running and jumping around, whereas adults might display these signs more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might be unable to remain still during long conversations or reading a book. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty with impulse control which can result in taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also have trouble resisting temptation and delaying gratification. This can cause problems at home or at work. People with ADHD typically have issues in organising their lives. This makes it difficult to keep up with their finances or bills. A health care professional will perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They will review the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions about their current performance. They can also talk to family members, teachers, or employers in order to better understand a person's struggles. A person has to have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and they must affect a number of areas of a person's life, like school, work or their 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 review your medical, family, and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. It is essential to be honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms, since they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask patients to talk to family members, such as parents, spouses or siblings, about the impact the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This helps the non-ADHD person develop an accurate knowledge of the difficulties their loved ones face. It also could help their relationship in the future. ADHD symptoms in adults may differ based on the circumstances however, they are usually very similar to the symptoms that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults often suffer from ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and their symptoms have more impact on their school, work and social life. For instance, adults with ADHD might not be in a position to manage their time as well as children, and they may experience more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships. Your doctor will perform an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This includes an interview with yourself and any significant people in your life and a physical examination and laboratory tests. You and your family members will be required to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected your. When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD as a group, it is important to consider any comorbid conditions they might have, such as anxiety or depression that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders are not treated, they could lead to feelings of frustration and underachievement which are absorbed as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an unending cycle where symptoms that are not treated for ADHD can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to recur more often. This can have a huge impact on your daily life and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and the co-morbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is usually performed by a health care specialist to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, complete medical history of the family and an extensive review of medical records. They will ask them to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will ask the patient to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD often do so because they notice that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. They might not be able to perform well in meetings or meet deadlines at work. They may have problems in their relationships if they can't pay attention or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in disarray 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 without ADHD have some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments can all trigger similar symptoms. It is essential to seek advice from an expert and undergo a thorough evaluation. A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily life and relationships. A mental health professional might also use a series standard tests to assess the ability of a person's brain. These might include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine if an individual suffers from ADHD symptoms. Sometimes, mental health professionals will suggest that a person take part in a clinical trial to try out new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study could be beneficial, it is important to recognize that the primary purpose of these studies is to gain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials, talk 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 work environment. They may have difficulty keeping up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have trouble staying on task at work and often appear uneasy or “on edge” when they are in the office. Before diagnosing ADHD, it's important that a doctor examine all of these symptoms and their impact on a person's everyday life. Certain people suffer from ADHD-related issues throughout their lives, whereas others have issues in just specific areas like relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. A medical professional will conduct a thorough mental evaluation and consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. For example, stress depression, mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, thyroid issues, certain medications, and other physical ailments can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is also essential to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can result in these mental disorders, and they may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator may also examine the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic cause. It is widely known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that around 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. Other non-genetic factors that could contribute to developing ADHD include a low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or birth prematurely. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. For some, it gives an explanation for their struggles, while others feel relief that they know what's causing their challenges. This belief system led to women's symptoms not being taken seriously 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.