Diagnosing ADHD in Adults

A health care professional can diagnose ADHD. This could be the primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist.

The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity and quantity of symptoms, and how they impact daily life. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be causing problems in more than one place, like school or at work.

Identifying signs

Many adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD have been suffering from their symptoms for a long time however, they might not realize that they have a mental health condition. Others get a diagnosis after they discover that their productivity at work is suffering or that their relationships are strained. A diagnosis can be a surprise however it can also be a source of anxiety for those at different stages of life.

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are some of the most common ADHD symptoms in adults. For instance, someone suffering from ADHD may flitter around in their seat as they listen to a lecture at work or struggle to wait for their turn in line. They may also have difficulty working on their tasks in time or forgetting things easily. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD often have trouble calming down and may become frustrated and emotional easily.

ADHD symptoms are more evident in children, whereas the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are less evident in adults. In children, hyperactivity can manifest as jumping and running and jumping, while adults can manifest these symptoms by shifting their weight or tapping their feet. They might also have problems being still during long conversations or reading the book.

Adults with ADHD may also have difficulty in controlling their impulses which could lead to risk-taking behaviors such as driving too fast or spending money on unnecessary items. They may also have a hard time resisting temptation and delaying the pleasure. This can lead to issues at work or at home. People with ADHD are also frequently struggling with organization, which can make it hard for them to keep on top of their finances and their bills.

A medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD. They will ask about the person's present functioning and examine their medical, educational and developmental history. They might also talk to teachers, family members, or employers in order to better understand a person's challenges.

A diagnosis of ADHD is when the person suffers from multiple symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. The symptoms must have been present before the age 12 and affect multiple aspects of a person's life such as their school, job 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 family, personal medical and work histories to determine whether your symptoms match these requirements. During this process, it is essential to be honest and honest with your healthcare provider regarding your issues since they won't be able to diagnose you without that information. Some doctors will ask their patients to talk with loved ones -- spouses, parents or siblings, for instanceregarding the effects of ADHD-related behavior on their lives. This helps the person who isn't diagnosed with ADHD develop an accurate knowledge of the difficulties their loved ones face. It also could help their relationship in the near future.

Adults' ADHD symptoms may vary depending on the situation, but they often have a lot in common with the behaviors that characterized the condition in childhood. A key difference is that adults tend to experience their symptoms in more complex ways than children, and their symptoms have a bigger impact on their work, social, and school lives. Adults suffering from ADHD might not be able manage their time the like children and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or finding an employment.

To determine the diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical assessment, which usually includes an interview with you and any other significant people in your life, a physical examination and lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause ADHD. You and your family will also be asked to complete questionnaires about symptoms that have affected you.


It is essential to take into account any comorbidities that adults with ADHD might have, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse. These conditions can trigger feelings of frustration or unfulfillment that are interpreted as chronic anger or stress. This can create an endless cycle of untreated ADHD symptoms can exacerbate the underlying comorbidities and cause them to flare up more frequently. This can have a significant impact on your daily life and therefore it is essential to address the ADHD and other comorbidities.

Psychological Evaluation

A psychological assessment is typically performed by a health care provider to determine if someone has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview of the patient, taking a thorough family medical history, and reviewing documents. They will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will then ask the person to rate their symptoms using standard rating scales or questionnaires.

Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD often do so due to the fact that their symptoms are affecting multiple aspects of their lives. Their work could be affected due to the lack of deadlines or a poor performance in meetings. They might 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 manage their chores.

It is important to note that many people who do not suffer from ADHD have some of the same symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and physical illnesses can all trigger similar symptoms. In this regard it is crucial to consult a health care professional and conduct a thorough evaluation.

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 family members to find out their perspective about how the person's actions have affected their daily functioning and relationships.

A mental health professional could also utilize a set of standard tests to assess the cognitive abilities of a person. These might include the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Hopkins Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). These tests can be used to determine if an individual has ADHD symptoms.

Mental health professionals may suggest that a person participate in a trial to test whether they are susceptible to ADHD. While taking part in a clinical trial can be beneficial, it is important to recognize that the primary goal of these studies is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific health problem. If you're interested to learn more, speak to your doctor or visit NIMH Clinical Trials.

Social Evaluation

Many adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis struggle to maintain stability in their home or workplace. They may struggle to keep up with the daily chores like cleaning the house, remembering and keeping appointments, or getting children ready for school. They may also have trouble staying focused in the workplace, and may appear agitated or "on-edge" when they sit at their desk.

It is essential for a doctor to look at all of these symptoms and how they impact a person's life before making the diagnosis of ADHD. There are people who have problems with ADHD throughout their lives, while others only struggle with one area such as relationships or work. The signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are all considered in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD (Austerman 2015).

A medical professional will conduct a thorough 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 can mimic ADHD symptoms. Certain thyroid diseases, medications, and other physical ailments could also cause similar symptoms. It's important to determine if someone suffers from comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. If not treated, iampsychiatry.com could lead to these psychiatric disorders and may make the symptoms of ADHD worse.

The evaluator may also examine the family history of ADHD to determine if there is a genetic cause. Research shows that up to 80 percent of ADHD risk is passed down through the family. Low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and premature birth are all non-genetic factors that can cause ADHD.

A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can alter your life. For some, it provides an explanation for their issues and for others, it brings relief that they now know what's causing their challenges. This belief system led to women's symptoms not being recognized for a long time. Hamdani, who is popularly known as the Psych Doc on Instagram and TikTok has decided to dispel the myths about ADHD and share her own experiences as an ADHD woman.