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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care provider can diagnose ADHD. This could be the primary health care provider psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount and severity of symptoms, as well as how they affect daily life. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing problems in more than one environment, such as school or work. Identifying signs Many adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have lived with their symptoms for years however, they might not be aware that they suffer from an illness of the mind. Some people are diagnosed when they realize that their relationships or work performance are affected. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but it can be stressful for people in different stages of their lives. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. For instance, someone who suffers from ADHD may flitter around in their chair while they listen to an audio 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 with ADHD may also have trouble getting comfortable and may become frustrated emotionally easily. In children, the signs of ADHD are more obvious, but in adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may not be as obvious. For example, in children, hyperactivity may manifest as running and jumping around, but adults can display these symptoms more subduedly by constantly shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems being still during long conversations or reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have issues with impulse control. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money on unneeded items. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties in organising their lives. This could make it difficult for them to keep up with their finances or bills. A health professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if an individual has ADHD. They will examine a person's developmental, medical and educational background and ask questions about their current performance. They can also talk to teachers, family members, or employers in order to better understand a person's challenges. A diagnosis of ADHD is when an individual has multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and must affect several aspects of a person's life, including 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 identify symptoms that meet these criteria. It is essential that you are honest and forthcoming with your doctor regarding your symptoms, as they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors will ask their patients to speak with family members — spouses, parents or siblings, for instance -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 knowledge of the difficulties their loved one faces and could help their relationship in the near future. Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary by situation, but many appear very similar to the behaviors that characterized the condition during childhood. Adults usually suffer from ADHD in a different way than children, and the symptoms can have a greater impact on their school, work and social life. For instance, adults with ADHD may not be in a position to manage their time as well as children and they might have difficulties finding jobs or maintaining relationships. Your doctor will conduct an evaluation of your clinical condition to determine ADHD. This includes an interview with you and any significant people in your life and a physical examination and laboratory tests. In addition, you and your family members will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected you in your life. When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD, it is also important to look into any comorbidities they may suffer from, like anxiety or depression that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. If these disorders aren't addressed, they may contribute to feelings of frustration and low performance that get internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can create a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause flare-ups to occur more frequently. This can have a major impact on your quality-of-life and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and the comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is typically performed by a healthcare provider to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, including a full family medical history, and examining documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how it affects their daily life. They will also ask the person to rate their symptoms on standardized rating scales and questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD do so when they observe that their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. Their work could suffer because of missed deadlines or poor performance in meetings. They could be having issues in their relationships if they don't listen or wait their turn. Their home life could be in chaos because they aren't paying attention to their children or complete their chores. It is important to note that many people who do not have ADHD have similar symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical ailments may all trigger similar symptoms. It is essential to seek advice from a professional and get a thorough examination. A psychological evaluation will include a detailed look into the person's past, especially their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also wish to talk with the person's spouse, parents or other close relatives to find out their perspective on how the person's behaviors affect their daily lives and relationships. Additionally a mental health professional will assess the individual using a series of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive abilities. They could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and 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 recommend that a person take part in a trial to test whether or not they are susceptible to ADHD. Although taking part in a trial may be beneficial, it is important to be aware that these studies are designed to gather new scientific information and not to treat any specific health problems. If adhd adult diagnosis interested in knowing more about clinical trials, consult with your physician or visit 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 difficulty keeping up with daily tasks like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying on task at work, and often appear restless or “on-edge” when they are sitting at their desk. It's important for a doctor to consider all these symptoms and how they affect a person's life before making a diagnosis of ADHD. Some people struggle with ADHD throughout their life, while others are only affected by one issue like relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. A medical professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. For example stress depression, mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to determine if a person suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If not treated, ADHD could lead to these mental disorders and can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's a genetic component. Research shows that up to 80% of ADHD risk is inherited. The birth weight of the baby is low, as well as exposure during pregnancy to toxins, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that contribute to ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. Many people are relieved to finally find a reason for their difficulties. Others are relieved that they know what is causing their issues. The traditional belief has been that only hyperactive boys are diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to many women's symptoms being omitted for too long. This is why Hamdani has taken to TikTok and Instagram as The Psych Doc to dispel these myths and to share her personal experiences as an ADHD woman.