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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary health care practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they interfere with everyday life. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and cause impairment in more than one environment, such as school or at work. Identifying the symptoms Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from their symptoms for a long time, but they might not be aware that they suffer from a mental health condition. Others receive a diagnosis when they realize that their relationships or work performance are being affected. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can be a bit overwhelming for people at different stages of their lives. Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are among the most common ADHD symptoms that adults experience. A person suffering from ADHD might flutter their arms when they are listening to a lecture or waiting in line. They might forget things easily, or struggle to finish tasks in time. People with ADHD can also have difficulty getting comfortable and may become frustrated emotionally easily. In children, signs of ADHD are more obvious, but in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity might not be apparent. In children, hyperactivity may manifest as jumping and running, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. They might also have difficulty sitting still when listening to an extended conversation or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses, which can lead to taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also have trouble resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can lead to problems at work or at home. People with ADHD often have difficulty with organization. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with their bills or finances. A health care professional will conduct an exhaustive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will examine a person's developmental, medical and educational history and inquire regarding their current functioning. They may also interview family members and teachers to gain an understanding of a person's struggles. A person has to have multiple symptoms for at least 12 months to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12, and they should affect many areas of one's life including 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 personal, family medical, and work history to determine whether your symptoms meet these requirements. It is important to be honest and forthcoming with your doctor about your symptoms since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients talk to family members, like spouses, parents or siblings, about the effect the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved one faces and could help their relationship in the future. Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many look very similar to the behavior that was characteristic of the condition in childhood. Adults typically experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and their symptoms have a greater impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be able to manage their time as well as children and they may have more trouble finding work or maintaining relationships. Your doctor will perform an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This involves an interview with you and any significant individuals in your lives and a physical examination and laboratory tests. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires on the symptoms that have affected you. It is important to consider any comorbid disorders that adults with ADHD may have, such anxiety or depression. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. If these disorders are not addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can lead to an unending cycle where untreated symptoms of ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities that cause them to flare up more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your daily life and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and the co-morbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a healthcare specialist to determine if a person has ADHD. This involves a thorough discussion with the patient, an exhaustive family medical history and a thorough review of documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms using scales of standardization and questionnaires. Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so due to the fact that their symptoms affect various aspects of their lives. Their work might be affected due to missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They may struggle with their relationships due to the fact that they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in chaos because they aren't paying attention to their children or complete their chores. It is crucial to remember that many people without ADHD have some of these symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar problems, including stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments. It is essential to seek out the advice of a professional and get a thorough examination. A psychological assessment will provide an in-depth examination of the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's spouse or parents, or other close family members to get their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it affects their daily functioning. A mental health professional may also utilize a set of tests that are standardised to gauge the person's cognitive abilities. They could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals might suggest that a person participate in a trial to test whether they are susceptible to ADHD. While participating in a clinical study may be beneficial, it's crucial to realize that the primary goal of these studies is to obtain new knowledge in science, not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested to learn more, consult your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek to be diagnosed of ADHD are struggling to maintain stability at home or at work. They may have difficulty keeping up with the daily chores like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have difficulty keeping their focus in the workplace and may appear agitated or “on-edge” when they are sitting 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 in a variety of areas of their lives, while others have only one problem like relationships or work. Signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all included in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman 2015). A medical professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and consider other factors that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It is crucial to determine if someone is suffering from comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. If untreated, ADHD could cause psychiatric disorders that can cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator may also examine the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic component. It is well-known that ADHD is largely heritable and research suggests that around 70% to 80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is caused by genetics. adhd diagnosed -genetic factors that could cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering moment. Some find it a relief to finally have an explanation for their struggles. Some are relieved they understand the root of their issues. This belief led to women's symptoms not being taken seriously for too long. Hamdani, also known as The Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths associated with ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.