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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional can diagnose ADHD. This could include an primary care physician psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatrist. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and number of symptoms, as well as the way they affect your the daily routine. The symptoms must be present from childhood and must be causing impairment in more than just one environment, such as school or work. Identifying symptoms Many adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have lived with their symptoms for a long time, but they may not know that they suffer from a mental health condition. Many people receive a diagnosis when they notice that their productivity at work is declining or their relationships are in trouble. A diagnosis could be a surprise however it can also feel overwhelming for people at various stages of life. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD may flitter around in their seat while they listen to an educational lecture at work, or struggle to wait for their turn in the line. They may also have difficulty working on their tasks in time or forgetting things quickly. Those with ADHD may also have a difficult time getting comfortable and may become frustrated emotionally easily. In children, signs of ADHD are more obvious however, in adults, impulsivity and hyperactivity might not be apparent. In children, hyperactivity can manifest in running and jumping and bouncing, while adults might exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping on their feet. In addition, they may have difficulty sitting still for long conversations or while reading the book. Adults suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty with impulse control which could lead to taking risks, such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary things. They might also find it difficult to resist temptation and delay gratification, which can lead to problems at home or at work. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling organizing their lives, which can 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 a person is suffering from ADHD. They will inquire about the person's current functioning and examine their medical, educational and developmental history. They can also talk to teachers, family members or employers to better understand a person's challenges. A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for at least 12 months in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and must affect several aspects of a person's life, including their school, job 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. During this process, it is important to be open and honest with your health care provider about your problems because they won't be able to diagnose you without that information. Some doctors will ask their patients to talk with family members — spouses, parents, or siblings, for example — about the impact of ADHD-related behaviors on their lives. This could help the person who is not suffering from ADHD gain a better understanding of the challenges their loved ones face. It may also improve the relationship between them. ADHD symptoms in adults may vary depending on the situation however, they are usually identical to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. A key difference is that adults typically suffer from the condition in more complicated ways than children and their symptoms can are more affecting their work, social, and school lives. Adults who suffer from ADHD may not be able manage their time the same way as children and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or finding jobs. For diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough clinical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out other medical conditions that may cause ADHD. In addition to this, you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires about issues that have affected your life. When evaluating adults suffering from ADHD in the same way, it's important to look into any comorbid conditions they might have, such as anxiety or depression, which can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of frustration or unfulfillment, which are internalized as chronic stress or anger. This can create an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can worsen the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more often. This can have a significant impact on your quality-of-life which is why it's crucial to address the ADHD and the comorbidities. Psychological Evaluation When a doctor is trying to determine if a patient has ADHD, they usually conduct a psychological examination. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult involves a thorough interview of the patient, a complete medical history of the family, as well as examining documents. They will ask them to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also ask the patient to rate their symptoms on scales of standardization and questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD when they observe that their symptoms are affecting different aspects of their lives. They may not be able to be effective in meetings or miss deadlines at work. They might struggle in their relationships as they cannot listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic due to their inability to keep up with chores or take care of their children. It is important to keep in mind that many people who do not have ADHD have certain symptoms. A variety of factors could cause similar problems, such as stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses. It is essential to seek out the advice of an expert and undergo a thorough evaluation. A psychological evaluation will include an in-depth look at the person's past, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may be able to talk to the person's parents or spouse, or other close family members to gain their opinions on the individual's behavior and how it has affected their daily life. Additionally an expert in mental health will evaluate the person with a series of standard tests that measure their cognitive abilities. These tests may include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale (HPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF). These tests will help to determine whether or not the person has symptoms of ADHD. Mental health professionals may recommend that a person take part in a trial to test if he or she is susceptible to ADHD. While participating in a trial can be beneficial, you should be aware that these trials are primarily designed to gain new information in the field of science, not to treat specific health issue. If you're interested to learn more, speak to your doctor or go to NIMH Clinical Trials. Social Evaluation Many adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain their stability at workplace or at home. They may be struggling to keep up with everyday tasks such as cleaning the home, remembering to make appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They may also have trouble keeping their focus in the workplace and often appear restless or “on-edge” when they sit at their desk. Before determining ADHD it is essential 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 only struggle with particular areas, such as work or relationships. The criteria for determining ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. A health care professional will perform an extensive mental assessment and will consider other factors that could trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. For instance, stress depression, mood disorders, head injuries or other injuries, certain medications, thyroid conditions and other physical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to determine whether a person suffers from comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. If untreated, ADHD can lead to these psychiatric disorders, which could cause ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator may also look at the person's family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic element. Research has shown that up to 80 percent of ADHD risk is inherited. Other non-genetic factors that can cause the development of ADHD include low birth weight or exposure to toxins in pregnancy or having a premature birth. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be a life altering moment. Some find it a relief to finally understand the reason for their struggles. Some are relieved they understand the root of their issues. Historically, the myth has been that only hyperactive little boys can be diagnosed with ADHD, and this belief has led to women's symptoms being ignored for a long time. Hamdani, also popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths associated with ADHD and share her experiences as an ADHD woman.