Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
There is no medical or genetic test to diagnose ADHD. However, a qualified healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis through a thorough assessment and physical examination.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. The condition is often identified by the disruptions in the classroom caused by its characteristic symptoms, such as inattention (inability to concentrate), hyperactivity (moving excessively or inappropriately for the situation), and impulsivity.
Adults with ADHD often seek help because they struggle to manage their day-to-day tasks, such as paying bills and doing household chores. They also worry about being unable to “catch up” with their peers.
During COVID-19, many people with ADHD experience an increase in distressing symptoms.
Self-assessment online tools may give you a good idea of whether you are dealing with ADHD symptoms. However, you must make an appointment in person for a proper diagnosis and to receive the right treatment.
Learn more about the screening process and what you can do if diagnosed with ADHD.
Professional Screenings
An in-depth physical examination and interview with a healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of ADHD. The diagnostic criteria differ slightly based on whether the patient is an adult or a child.
You’ll need a licensed mental healthcare professional to conduct an ADHD screening. These professionals include a clinical psychiatrist, neurologist, or primary care physician.
They will complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you have ADHD. The diagnostic criteria are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5), the national standard for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
According to the DSM-5 guidelines and the American Academy of Pediatrics, healthcare providers like pediatricians and child psychologists can screen and diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents aged 4-18.
DSM-5 Criteria to Diagnose ADHD
According to the DSM-5, people with ADHD have signs and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that make it difficult to function daily.
Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity must be present in children up to 16. Adolescents and adults over 17 must show five or more signs of hyperactivity or inattention.
They must be disruptive to their development and last at least six months.
Inattention can manifest as:
- Careless mistakes and failure to pay attention to detail in schoolwork, work, or anywhere else
- Trouble focusing on tasks and activities
- When addressed directly, the person does not appear to be listening
- Losing focus or being distracted causes you not to complete your schoolwork, chores, or work tasks.
- Organizing tasks and activities can be a struggle
- Avoids or dislikes mental tasks that take a lot of effort for a long time. For example, a school assignment or homework.
- You lose important items such as your wallet, school supplies, keys, or paperwork
- You are easily distracted
- Do you need to be more careful in your daily activities?
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as:
- Seat squirming or fidgeting
- When they are expected to stay seated, they leave their seat
- Feels restless or, in children, runs about or climbs when it is not appropriate
- Is unable to play quietly
- Restless and always “on the move.”
- Talks excessively
- Answers a question before the person has finished.
- Can’t wait to be called?
- Intrudes or interrupts conversations or games 2
The healthcare provider must also confirm these symptoms to make an official ADHD diagnosis:
- Some of these symptoms appeared before the age of 12.
- You can find them in multiple settings (such as at school, work, or in social life).
- The ability to function normally is impaired or reduced.
- There’s no other health condition that could explain them.
ADHD Diagnosis for Children
A healthcare provider must complete the following steps to diagnose ADHD in a child:
- Ask parents, teachers, and mental health professionals involved with your child to discuss their academic or behavioral problems.
- Use tools like behavior rating scales and checklists to determine if the DSM-5 criteria are met for ADHD.
- Order laboratory or other tests and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions that have similar symptoms. For example, seizures or thyroid disorders or sleep disorders or Lead poisoning.
- Additional screening tests can be run to detect co-occurring mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and learning and language disorders.
You may need to refer your child to a pediatrician for further screenings, such as developmental disorders or learning difficulties.
ADHD in Adults: Diagnosis
Adults can similarly receive an ADHD diagnosis. A healthcare provider will perform the following steps during your visit:
- You can be interviewed about your symptoms now and in your childhood.
- Use diagnostic tools like behavioral rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms according to DSM-5 criteria.
- You may also request an additional interview with your partner, parent, close friend, or others.
- Physical exam to rule out other possible causes of symptoms
- Screen for co-occurring mental disorders or other mental illnesses such as a personality disorder four or a mood disorder anxiety disorder.
Your healthcare provider will inform you at the end of your visit if you have ADHD or other medical conditions. Then, your healthcare provider will discuss with you treatment options and, if needed, refer you to specialists.
Testing and Labs
Interview and physical examination are the gold standard diagnostic procedures for ADHD. They help identify ADHD symptoms as well as other mental and physical conditions.
Your doctor may recommend blood tests, brain imaging studies, to rule out other health conditions. To rule out other conditions, your physician may suggest blood tests, brain-imaging studies, or electroencephalograms (EEG).
Self-Testing at Home
Some many online self-assessments or questionnaires measure symptoms of ADHD. However, they are not validated scientifically. It would be best if you didn’t try to diagnose yourself or others using these tools. For a valid and accurate diagnosis, visiting a licensed and qualified healthcare provider is important.
If you are unsure whether or not your symptoms are ADHD-related, you can use the Adult Self Report Scale (ASRS), Screener from the World Health Organization to identify the signs and symptoms.
It can’t give you a definitive answer, but it can help you decide when to get professional help. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association suggests it is a good starting point rather than a definitive test.
Very well: A Word of Advice
Untreated ADHD can cause stress and anxiety in both children and adults. Although receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be frightening or unsettling, it also gives many new insights into their past struggles and increased self-compassion.
Treatment options, such as medication and lifestyle changes, can help you gain control over your situation and focus your attention. It would help if you also remembered that people with ADHD can enjoy the benefits of their condition. Living a fulfilling and happy life is possible even after an ADHD diagnosis.