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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include the primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms and how they interfere with daily life. The symptoms must have been present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than one place, like school or at work. Identifying the symptoms Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with symptoms for many years. But, they may not have realized that they suffered from a mental illness. Many people receive a diagnosis when they notice that their productivity at work is declining or that their relationships are struggling. A diagnosis could be a revelation, but it can also be a source of anxiety for those at different stages of their lives. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. People with ADHD might be distracted during an audio lecture or waiting in line. They may also forget things easily or have trouble finishing tasks within the timeframe. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble relaxing and can become frustrated and emotionally tense easily. In children, the signs of ADHD are more evident however, in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity might not be apparent. For example, in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running or jumping around, whereas adults may exhibit these symptoms more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have difficulty being still during an extended conversation or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also struggle in controlling their impulses which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They may also have difficulty in deciding whether to resist temptation and defergratification and this can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD also often have trouble with organization, which could make it difficult for them to keep the track of their finances or their bills. A medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine if someone has ADHD. They will look at the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions regarding their current functioning. They might also talk to family members, teachers or employers to understand a person's struggles. A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for at least 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and they should affect many areas of one's life such as 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 family, personal, medical and work history to determine if you have symptoms that match these criteria. In this process, it is important to be open and honest with your health care provider regarding your issues since they won't be able to diagnose you without that information. Some doctors request their patients to interview family members — spouses, parents, or siblings, for instance — about the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones face and could help their relationship in the future. ADHD symptoms in adults could vary depending on the situation however, they are usually very similar to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. Adults typically suffer from ADHD symptoms in a more complex way than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their school, work and social life. For instance, adults who have ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children and they may have difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships. Your doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have ADHD. This will include an interview with yourself and any significant individuals in your lives, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. Additionally to this, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you in your life. It is essential to take into account any comorbidities that adults with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse. If these conditions aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and underachievement that are internalized as stress or anger. This can result in an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more often. This can have a major impact on your daily life which is why it's crucial to treat the ADHD and comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is typically conducted by a health care doctor to determine if a patient has ADHD. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, a complete medical history of the family, and reviewing documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms using scales of rating and questionnaires that are standardised. Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they realize that their symptoms affect various aspects of their lives. Their work might be affected due to the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They might struggle with their relationships due to the fact that they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be in disarray because they fail to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children. It is crucial to remember that many people with ADHD have some of these symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It is essential to seek advice from a professional and get 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 consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse or other family members to find out their perspective on the person's behavior and how it has affected their daily life. Additionally, a mental health professional will evaluate the person using a series of standardized tests that are designed to assess their cognitive abilities. These might include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests will help to indicate whether or not the person has symptoms of ADHD. Sometimes mental health professionals may recommend that a person participate in a clinical trial to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical study can be beneficial, it is crucial to realize that the primary goal of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in knowing more, talk to your physician or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their home or work environment. They may be struggling to keep up with everyday tasks like 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 keeping their focus in the workplace and are often seen as agitated or “on-edge” when they sit at their desks. Before determining ADHD it is essential that a doctor examine 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 a single issue like relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. A health care professional will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and consider other factors that can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk and mood disorders, as well as head injuries can all mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments may also cause similar symptoms. It is also crucial to determine whether a person has comorbidities like depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these psychiatric conditions, and they may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator may also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to determine whether there is a genetic component. It's well known that ADHD is mostly hereditary and research suggests that around 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure during pregnancy to toxins and premature birth are all factors that are not genetic that contribute to ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood could alter your life. For some, it provides a concrete explanation for their issues and for others, it brings relief that they know the reason behind their struggles. The traditional belief was that only hyperactive boys are diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has resulted in women's symptoms being omitted for too long. This is the reason why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.