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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A medical professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be a primary health care provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as how they interfere with everyday life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must cause impairment in multiple settings like school or work. Identifying signs Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time but may not know that they suffer from an illness of the mind. Other people receive a diagnosis when they notice their relationships or work productivity are suffering. A diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but can also be overwhelming for those at different stages of their lives. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults include hyperactivity, impulsivity and lack of attention. For example, someone with ADHD might squirm in their chair while they listen to a lecture at work or struggle to wait their turn in the line. They may also be prone to forgetting things or have trouble finishing tasks within the timeframe. People with ADHD may also have trouble relaxing and can become angry and emotionally easily. In children, symptoms of ADHD are more obvious In adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity may appear less obviously. In children, hyperactivity may manifest in running and jumping and jumping, while adults can display these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. Additionally, they might have difficulty sitting still for long conversations or while reading an article. Adults suffering from ADHD might also have issues in controlling their impulses which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay gratification, which can lead to issues at home or at work. People with ADHD also have issues with organization, which can make it difficult to keep the track of their finances or their bills. A medical professional will perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They will review the person's medical, developmental and educational history, and ask questions regarding their current functioning. They may also speak to teachers, family members or employers to understand a person's challenges. A person has to have multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present before the age 12 and affect multiple areas of a person’s life such as their work, school, or 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 look over your medical as well as family and work history to determine if you have symptoms that fit these criteria. It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor about your symptoms, as they will not be able to diagnose you without this information. Some doctors suggest that patients talk to family members, like parents, spouses, or siblings, about the effect the behavior of ADHD has on their lives. This can help the person who is not diagnosed with ADHD to gain a clear understanding of the issues their loved one faces and may help the relationship in the near future. ADHD symptoms in adults may depend on the specific situation however, they are usually very similar to the symptoms that characterized ADHD in childhood. One of the main differences is that adults typically suffer from the condition in more complicated ways than children do and their symptoms can have a greater impact on their work, social and school lives. For instance, adults who have 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 examination to determine if you have ADHD. This involves an interview with yourself and any significant individuals who are in your life as well as a physical exam and laboratory tests. Your family and you will be required to complete questionnaires on symptoms that have affected you. When evaluating adults with ADHD as a group, it is important to consider any other comorbid conditions they may have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of anger or frustration that are interpreted as stress or anger that is persistent. This can result in a vicious cycle where untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen underlying comorbidities, causing them to flare-up even more frequently. This can have a major impact on your daily life, so it's important to address the ADHD and the co-morbidities. Psychological Evaluation A psychological assessment is typically performed by a healthcare doctor to determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, including a full family medical history, and looking over documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis for ADHD do so when they notice their symptoms impacting different aspects of their lives. They may be unable to be effective in meetings or miss deadlines at work. They could be having issues in their relationships if they don't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic due to their inability to keep up with chores or pay attention to their children. It is important to remember that many people without ADHD also suffer from certain symptoms. Many factors can cause similar problems, such as stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses. It is important to seek advice from an expert and undergo a thorough evaluation. A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth examination of the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also consider speaking with the person's spouse or parents, or other close family members to gain their perspective on the person's behavior and how it affects their daily functioning. A mental health professional could also employ a series of standardized tests to measure the cognitive abilities of a person. diagnosing adhd may include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests can determine if an individual has symptoms of ADHD. Sometimes, mental health professionals will suggest that a person take part in a clinical trial to try out new treatments for ADHD. Although participating in a trial could be beneficial, you should understand that these studies are primarily designed to gain new scientific information and not to treat specific health problems. If you're interested to learn more, talk to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at workplace or at home. They may have difficulty keeping up with daily tasks like cleaning the home, remembering and keeping appointments or getting their children ready for school. They might also have trouble staying on task at work and often appear anxious or “on edge” while sitting in the office. Before diagnosing ADHD, it's important that a doctor considers all of these symptoms and their effects on a person's life. Some people struggle with ADHD throughout their life, while others have only one problem like work or relationships. The criteria for diagnosing ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. A health professional will conduct an extensive mental health assessment and consider other factors that may cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. For example stress and mood disorders, head injuries and certain medications, thyroid conditions, and other physical ailments can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to determine if a person has comorbidities such as anxiety or depression. If untreated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there's an inheritance component. Research suggests that as much as 80% of ADHD risk is caused by genetics. Other non-genetic factors that could contribute to the development of ADHD include low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or having a premature birth. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. Some people feel relieved to finally find a reason for their issues. Others are relieved they understand the root of their issues. The traditional belief was that only hyperactive boys are diagnosed with ADHD and this assumption has led to women's symptoms being overlooked for too long. This is the reason 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.