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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional is able to diagnose ADHD. This could include a primary care provider, psychiatrist or psychologist. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as how they impact daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be causing impairment in more than just one environment, such as school or work. Identifying the Symptoms Many people diagnosed with ADHD have been living with symptoms for years. However, they might not have realized they had a mental illness. Some people are diagnosed when they discover that their relationships or their work performance are affected. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can be stressful for those at different stages of their lives. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Someone suffering from ADHD might be distracted when they are listening to an audio lecture or waiting in line. They may also be prone to forgetting things or have trouble finishing tasks in time. People suffering from ADHD may also have a difficult time getting comfortable and may become frustrated emotionally easily. ADHD symptoms are more apparent in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. For instance when children are hyperactive, it may manifest as running or jumping around, whereas adults may exhibit these symptoms more subtly 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 with ADHD may also experience issues with controlling their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They may be unable to resist temptation and delay gratification and this can lead to issues at work or home. People with ADHD also have issues organizing their lives, which can make it difficult for them to keep the track of their finances or their bills. I Am Psychiatry will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will examine the person's medical, developmental and educational background and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also speak with relatives and teachers to get an understanding of a person's struggles. A diagnosis of ADHD is when a person has multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must be present before the age 12 and affect multiple areas of one's life such as their school, job or social life. Medical History 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 histories to determine if you have symptoms that satisfy these criteria. It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since they are unable to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors ask their patients to interview loved ones — spouses, parents or siblings, for instanceto discuss the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This helps the non-ADHD person gain a better knowledge of the difficulties their loved one faces and can help strengthen the relationship in the near future. ADHD symptoms in adults could vary depending on the situation but they are generally identical to those that characterized ADHD in childhood. Adults often suffer from ADHD in a different way than children, and their symptoms have more impact on their school, work and social life. For instance, people with ADHD may not be capable of managing their time as well as children and they may experience 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 people in your life as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. Your family and you will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected your. When evaluating adults with ADHD in the same way, it's important to consider any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can lead to feelings of frustration or unfulfillment which can be internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can result in an unending cycle where symptoms that are not treated for ADHD can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare up more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your life quality and therefore it is essential to treat the ADHD and other comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation If a healthcare professional is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD typically, they conduct a psychological examination. This involves a thorough interview with the patient, a complete family medical history, and examining documents. They will ask the person to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting various aspects of their lives. They might not be able to perform well in meetings or fail to meet deadlines at work. They might struggle with their relationships due to the fact that they are unable to listen or wait for their turn. Their home life may be in chaos because they fail to keep up with chores or take care of their children. It is important to recognize that many people who do not have ADHD have similar symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and physical ailments can all cause similar symptoms. In this regard it is crucial to speak with a health professional and to conduct a thorough evaluation. A psychological evaluation will also include a detailed look at the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional might also consider speaking with the person's parents, spouse, or other close family members to find out their opinion on the person's behavior and how it has affected their daily functioning. A mental health professional could also utilize a set of standard tests to assess the person's cognitive abilities. They could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can help determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms. Sometimes, mental health professionals will suggest that an individual participate in a clinical trial to test new treatments for ADHD. While participating in a clinical trial may be beneficial, it's important to recognize that the primary purpose of these studies is to obtain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested in knowing more about clinical trials, consult with your doctor or visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their home or workplace. They may have trouble keeping up with daily tasks such as cleaning the house, remembering to make and keep appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have a difficult time staying focused at work, and often appear restless or “on-edge” when they sit at their desks. It's important for a doctor to look at all these symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making an assessment of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, while others have issues in just particular areas, such as relationships or work. The criteria for determining ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. A medical professional will conduct an extensive mental health assessment and take into account other factors that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. Stress, mood disorders and head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments could cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine if a person has comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. If not treated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders and may cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator may also examine the individual's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic cause. Research suggests that as much as 80 percent of ADHD risk is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD include low birth weight and exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or being born prematurely. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For some, it provides a concrete explanation for their issues, while others feel relief that they know the root of their problems. This misconception led to women's symptoms not being taken seriously 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.