Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they interfere with daily life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than one environment, such as school or at work.
Identifying the Symptoms
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for a long time. However, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental disorder. Many people receive a diagnosis when they notice that their work performance is suffering or that their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis could be a surprise however it can also feel overwhelming for people at various stages of life.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are among the most frequent ADHD symptoms among adults. For instance, someone who suffers from ADHD may flitter around in their chair while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They may also have difficulty getting their work done on time or forgetting things quickly. People suffering from ADHD may also have a difficult time relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily.
ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, while the impulsivity and hyperactivity may be less apparent in adults. For example when children are hyperactive, it may manifest as running or jumping around, whereas adults may exhibit these symptoms more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. Additionally, they might have difficulty sitting still during long conversations or while reading a book.
Adults with ADHD may also have issues with impulse control. This could lead to risky behaviours like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary things. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay gratification which can cause issues at home or at work. People with ADHD typically have issues in organising their lives. This could make it difficult for them to keep up with their expenses or financial obligations.
A health professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will examine a person's developmental, medical and educational history and ask questions regarding their current functioning. They may also speak with family members, teachers or employers to get a better understanding of a person's struggles.
A diagnosis of ADHD is when the person suffers from multiple symptoms for at least 12 months. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12, and they must affect various aspects of a person's daily life, such as 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 go over your personal, family, medical and work history to identify symptoms that match these requirements. It is important to be honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to interview family members -- spouses, parents or siblings, for example -to discuss the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear understanding of the issues their loved ones face and can help strengthen the relationship in the future.
ADHD symptoms in adults could vary depending on the situation but they are generally identical to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults typically suffer from ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and the symptoms have more impact on their school, work and social life. Adults suffering from ADHD may not be able manage their time the like children and may have difficulties maintaining relationships or obtaining an employment.
For diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which typically includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and lab tests to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause ADHD. Your family and you will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you.
When evaluating adults with ADHD in the same way, it's important to look into any comorbidities they may have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders are not addressed, they may contribute to feelings of anger and frustration that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can create a vicious circle where the untreated symptoms of ADHD increase the severity of the underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare up more often. This can have a significant impact on your daily life, so it's important to address the ADHD and co-morbidities.
Psychological Evaluation
If a healthcare professional is trying to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD They usually conduct a psychological evaluation. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, complete family medical history and a thorough examination of documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they observe that their symptoms impacting different aspects of their life. Their work might be affected due to the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They may have problems in their relationships if they don't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they don't pay attention to their children or complete their chores.
It is important to remember that many people who do not suffer from ADHD suffer from the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments can all trigger similar symptoms. In this regard it is essential to consult a health care expert and conduct a thorough evaluation.
A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth look at the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also wish to talk with the person's spouse, parents or other family members to get their perspectives on how the person's behavior have affected their daily life and relationships.
In addition, a mental health professional will assess the individual using a series of standardized tests designed to measure their 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 help determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms.
Mental health professionals may recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether or not they are hyperactive. While participating in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is important to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific health problem. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, consult with your doctor or go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Social Evaluation
Many adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to stay in a stable state at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with their daily chores such as cleaning the house or remembering to make appointments and keep them 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 desk.
It is essential for a doctor to take into consideration the various symptoms and how they impact the person's life prior to making an assessment of ADHD. Some people have ADHD-related problems in multiple areas of their lives, while others have issues in just one area such as relationships or work. Signs of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are all included in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman, 2015).
A health professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and will consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It's also important to determine if someone has comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD may result in these psychiatric conditions and can make ADHD symptoms worse.
The evaluator may also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic component. Research has shown that up to 80% of ADHD risk is passed down through the family. Low birth weight, exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors which can contribute to ADHD.
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