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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults A health care professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be an primary health care practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and number of symptoms, as well as how they impact the daily routine. Symptoms must have been present since childhood and must cause impairment in more than one environment like school or at work. Identifying the symptoms Many people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have lived with their symptoms for years, but 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 productivity are affected. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming for people in different stages of their lives. Hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention are some of the most common ADHD symptoms in adults. A person who suffers from ADHD may fidget when they are listening to a lecture or wait in the line. They might also have trouble working on their tasks in time or losing things easily. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have trouble relaxing and may become frustrated and emotional easily. ADHD symptoms are more obvious in children, while the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less apparent in adults. For children, hyperactivity could manifest in running and jumping, while adults may exhibit these signs by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. In addition, they could have difficulty sitting still for long conversations or reading a book. Adults suffering from ADHD might also have issues in controlling their impulses which could lead to risk-taking behaviors such as driving too quickly or spending money on unnecessary items. They might also have difficulty in deciding whether to resist temptation and delay gratification and this can lead to issues at work or home. People with ADHD frequently have difficulties with organization. This makes it difficult to keep up with their finances or bills. A health care professional will conduct an extensive evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will look at a person's developmental, medical and educational background and ask questions about their current functioning. They may also speak to teachers, family members, or employers in order to better understand a person's struggles. A person must exhibit multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months before being diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12, and they must affect various aspects of one's life like school, work 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 medical and family records to determine whether you match these criteria. It is crucial that you are honest and open 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, such as spouses, parents or siblings, for instance — about the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This could help the person who is not suffering from ADHD get a better understanding of the challenges that their loved ones face. It could also help improve the relationship. ADHD symptoms in adults can differ based on the circumstances, but they are often very similar to those that characterize ADHD in childhood. The main difference is that adults tend to suffer from their symptoms in more intricate ways than children do, and their symptoms are more affecting their social, work and school life. Adults suffering from ADHD may not be able manage their time in the like children and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or obtaining jobs. For diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough clinical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other important people in your life, a physical examination and lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. Additionally you and your family members will be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding symptoms that have affected your life. When evaluating adults who suffer from ADHD as a group, it is important to take into consideration any comorbidities they may suffer from, like depression or anxiety that could make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These disorders can cause feelings of anger or frustration, which are internalized as chronic anger or stress. This can lead to an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can exacerbate underlying comorbidities, causing flare-ups to occur more often. This can have a major impact on the quality of your life, making it crucial to treat both comorbidities and the ADHD. Psychological Evaluation A psychological evaluation is typically conducted by a health care provider to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. This involves an extensive interview with the patient, including a full family medical history, and reviewing documents. They will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will then ask the person to rate symptoms using standardized rating scales or questionnaires. Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD typically do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting many aspects of their lives. They might not be able to be effective in meetings or miss deadlines at work. They may struggle in their relationships as they can't listen or wait for their turn. Their home life could be chaotic because they aren't paying attention to their children or keep up with their chores. It is important to note that many people who don't have ADHD experience the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical illnesses can all cause similar symptoms. Therefore it is essential to consult a health care professional and to undergo a thorough assessment. A psychological evaluation will also provide a thorough analysis of the person's history, particularly their childhood experiences. A mental health professional may also wish to talk with the person's spouse, parents or other relatives close to them to find out their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily functioning and relationships. Additionally an expert in mental health will evaluate the person by using a set of standardized tests designed to measure their cognitive abilities. This could include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale as well as the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can determine if the person has symptoms of ADHD. Mental health professionals might recommend that a person take part in a study to determine whether or not they are ADHD-prone. While participating in a trial can be beneficial, you should be aware that these trials are designed to gather new knowledge in science and not to treat any specific health issue. If you are interested in learning 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 keep their balance at home or at work. They may have trouble keeping up with their daily chores such as cleaning the house or remembering to schedule appointments and keep them, or getting their children ready for school. They might also have trouble working on time and are often uneasy or “on edge” when they are in the office. It's important for a doctor to take into consideration the various symptoms and how they affect the life of a person prior to making the diagnosis of ADHD. Some people struggle with ADHD in many areas of their lives, while others are only affected by one issue such as work or relationships. Symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention are all included in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (Austerman 2015). adhd in adults undiagnosed will conduct an exhaustive mental health evaluation and consider other factors that could cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Stress and mood disorders, as well as head injuries could mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid disorders, medications and other physical ailments may cause similar symptoms. It is also essential to determine if someone has comorbidities such as depression or anxiety. Untreated ADHD can result in these mental disorders, and they may make the symptoms of ADHD worse. The evaluator might also consider the family history of ADHD in order to determine if there is a genetic component. It is well-known that ADHD is largely heritable and research suggests that 70%-80% of the risk for developing ADHD is passed down through the generations. A low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and premature birth are all non-genetic causes which can contribute to ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can change your life. For some, it offers an explanation for their struggles and for others, it brings relief that they know the root of their problems. The traditional belief has been that only hyperactive little boys can be diagnosed with ADHD and this misconception has led to women's symptoms being ignored for far too long. This is 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.