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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This might include a primary care provider, psychiatrist or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms and how they interfere with daily life. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and must cause impairment in multiple settings, such as work or school. Identifying Symptoms Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time but might not be aware that they have a mental health condition. Many people receive a diagnosis when they realize that their productivity at work is declining or their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis could be a revelation but it can also be overwhelming for people at various stages of their lives. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are some of the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in adults. People with ADHD might be distracted during a lecture or wait in line. They might also forget things easily or have trouble finishing tasks on time. In addition, those with ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become angry and emotionally tense easily. ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. For instance in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running or jumping around, but adults might display these signs more subduedly through shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have difficulty staying still while listening to long conversations or reading the book. Adults with ADHD may also experience 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 a hard time resisting temptation and delaying gratification. This can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also have issues with organization, which could make it difficult for them to keep track of their finances or their bills. A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current performance and look over their medical background, educational and developmental history. They can also talk to teachers, family members, or employers in order to better understand the person's struggles. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that an individual has multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and affect multiple aspects of a person's life, such as their job, school 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 review your family, personal medical, and work history to identify symptoms that match these requirements. It is important 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 speak with loved ones, such as spouses, parents or siblings, for instance -regarding the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This can help the non-ADHD individual gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones are facing. It can also enhance the relationship. Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary depending on the situation, but they often look very similar to the behaviors that characterize the condition in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to suffer from the condition in more complex ways than children, and their symptoms have a greater impact on their work, social, and school lives. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time the like children and may have difficulties maintaining relationships or finding a job. For diagnosis your doctor will conduct a thorough medical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and lab tests to rule out other medical issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family will be required to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you. When evaluating adults with ADHD, it is also important to take into consideration any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or underachievement, which are internalized as stress or anger that is persistent. This can lead to an endless cycle of symptoms that are not treated for ADHD exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, causing them to recur more frequently. This can have a huge impact on your quality-of-life, so it's important to treat the ADHD and the comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is usually conducted by a health care specialist to determine if a person has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, taking a thorough family medical history, and looking over documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask the patient to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD do so when they observe that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. Their work may suffer because of missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They might struggle in their relationships because 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 children or manage their chores. It is important to recognize that many people who don't suffer from ADHD suffer from some of the same symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, including stress, mental health issues and physical ailments. It is crucial to seek out the advice of a professional and have a thorough assessment. A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's history, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also consider speaking with the person's spouse or parents, or other close family members to find out their perspective on the person's behavior and how it has affected their daily life. A mental health professional could also utilize a set of tests that are standardised to gauge the person's cognitive abilities. This could 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 a person has ADHD symptoms. Sometimes mental health professionals suggest that a person take part in an experimental study to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the main purpose of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in learning more, consult your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to maintain stability at home or at work. They may struggle to keep up with daily tasks like cleaning the house, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying on task in the workplace, and are often seen as agitated or “on-edge” when they are sitting at their desks. Before determining ADHD, diagnose adhd in adults that a doctor examine all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. Some people struggle with ADHD throughout their life, while others have only one problem such as work or relationships. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. A health care professional will perform an exhaustive mental evaluation and consider other factors that could trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. For example, stress, head injuries, mood disorders and certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical ailments could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD can result in these mental disorders and can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator will also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic component. It is widely known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that 70% to 80% of the risk for developing ADHD is inherited. 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. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. Many people are relieved to finally find a reason for their struggles. Others are relieved that they know what is causing their issues. In the past, the belief was that only hyperactive little boys can be diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has led to many women's symptoms being ignored for too long. Hamdani, who is known as The Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok, has decided to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her own experiences as an ADHD women.