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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary care physician psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they impact daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and cause impairment in multiple settings, such as school or work. Identifying the Symptoms Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for many years. However, they might not have known that they had a mental illness. Some people are diagnosed after they realize that their work productivity is declining or their relationships are strained. A diagnosis could be a surprise but it can also be overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives. Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are among the most frequent ADHD symptoms among adults. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might fidget in their seat while they listen to a lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They might also be prone to forgetting things or struggle to finish tasks within the timeframe. Those with ADHD can also have difficulty relaxing and become frustrated and emotionally easily. ADHD symptoms are more obvious in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest as jumping and running and bouncing, while adults might display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. In addition, they could be unable to remain still during long conversations or reading the book. Adults with ADHD might also have issues in controlling their impulses which could lead to reckless behaviors like driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and defergratification which can cause problems at home or at work. People with ADHD often have difficulty with organization. This makes it difficult for them to keep up with their finances or bills. A health care professional will perform an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual is suffering from ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational history, and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also speak with family members, teachers or employers to get more insight into the challenges a person faces. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and have an impact on several areas of one's life, such as their work, 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 determine whether your symptoms meet these requirements. It is essential that you are honest and open with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients interview family members, such as parents, spouses, or siblings, about the effect ADHD-related behavior has on their lives. getting a diagnosis for adhd ADHD Diagnosis can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD develop an accurate understanding of the issues their loved ones face. It also can help strengthen the relationship in the future. ADHD symptoms in adults can vary depending on the situation but they are generally very similar to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults typically experience their ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and the symptoms have a greater impact on their work, school and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD might not be capable of managing their time as well as children, and they may experience difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships. For diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical 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 issues that can affect ADHD. You and your family members will also be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding the symptoms that have affected you. When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD, it is also important to look into any comorbidities they may have, such as anxiety or depression that can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or underachievement that are interpreted as chronic stress or anger. This can result in a vicious circle where the untreated symptoms of ADHD exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up even more often. This can have a major effect on your quality of life, making it essential to treat both co-morbidities as well as the ADHD. Psychological Evaluation If a healthcare professional decides to determine if someone has ADHD They usually conduct a psychological examination. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, complete medical history of the family and a thorough examination of the documents. They will ask them to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms on scales of rating and questionnaires that are standardised. Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they notice that their symptoms are affecting multiple aspects of their lives. They may not be able to perform well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They might struggle in their relationships because they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in disarray due to their inability to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children. It is important to recognize that many people who don't suffer from ADHD have some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses can all trigger similar symptoms. In this regard, it is important to speak with a health expert and take a thorough examination. A psychological evaluation will involve a detailed look into the person's history, specifically their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also want to speak with the person's parents, spouse, or other relatives close to them to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors have affected their daily life and relationships. Additionally, a mental health professional will examine the patient with a series of standard tests that measure their 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 help indicate whether or not an individual is suffering from ADHD. Sometimes mental health professionals may recommend that a person participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments for ADHD. Although participating in a trial could be beneficial, you should be aware that these studies are designed to gather new knowledge in science and not to treat any particular health issues. If you're interested to learn more, speak to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD struggle to keep their balance at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with daily tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering to make appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble staying focused in the workplace and may appear agitated or “on-edge” when they sit at their desk. Before diagnosing ADHD it is crucial that a doctor examine all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. There are people who have problems with ADHD in multiple areas of their lives, while others have issues in just one area such as work or relationships. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. A health care professional will conduct an exhaustive mental evaluation and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. For example, stress and mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to determine if a person is suffering from comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. Untreated ADHD may cause psychiatric disorders and can make ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator will also look at the person's family history of ADHD to see if there is a genetic element. It's well known that ADHD is largely inherited, and research suggests that 70% to 80 percent of the risk of developing ADHD is inherited. Other factors that are not genetic and could contribute to the development of ADHD include a low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a life altering experience. Some people feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their difficulties. Others are relieved that they understand the root of their problems. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. 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 woman.