How Psychiatrists Diagnose ADHD in Adults and Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects people of all ages. Getting an accurate ADHD diagnosis helps people understand themselves and access support. This article explores the ADHD diagnosis journey for adults and children.
 

Recognizing the Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD affects how the brain regulates attention, activity, and impulses. People with ADHD show some or all of the following behaviors:
 

• They struggle to pay attention to details.

• They may have difficulties following instructions or finishing tasks.

• They may feel bored and distracted.

• They may lose things or make careless mistakes.

• Excess energy may make them fidget, squirm, or talk too much.

• They may have difficulty sitting still, staying quiet, or waiting their turn.

• They often act before thinking, interrupt others, and take risks.
   

Controlling emotions and coping with frustration prove challenging. Brain differences cause these symptoms, not intentional or malicious action.
 

Understanding the Causes of ADHD

Research suggests ADHD is genetic and runs in families. Other contributing factors may include:
 

• Brain injury or infection.

• Premature birth or low birth weight.

• Exposure to toxins or drugs during pregnancy or childhood.

• Nutritional deficiencies or allergies.
   

Recognizing the Different Types of ADHD

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists three kinds of ADHD:
 

• Predominantly Inattentive: People of this type struggle with paying attention. They often seem forgetful, disorganized, or distracted.

• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: People with this type mostly show behavioral symptoms like restlessness, talkativeness, and impulsiveness.

• Combined Type: People with this type have both attentional and behavioral regulation difficulties. They display a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
   

The type of ADHD may evolve over time as people mature. Some children become less hyperactive but more inattentive with age, for example.
 

Understanding the Diagnostic Process

A qualified mental health professional evaluates medical history, current symptoms, and family background.
 

Interviews

The doctor talks to those suspected of having ADHD and their families. The interviews provide insights into daily life struggles.
 

Rating Scales and Questionnaires

Standardized tools assist in evaluating the symptoms’ frequency, severity, and impact on functioning. The patient and someone familiar with them complete these tools together.
 

Observations

Direct observations of conduct at home, school, and work reveal more.
 

Tests

Cognitive, psychological, and neurological testing determine strengths and deficits.
 

Applying the Diagnostic Criteria

Clinicians use criteria from the DSM-5 to diagnose ADHD based on:
 

• Patients must have six inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. Adults need at least five symptoms.

• Symptoms must have persisted for at least six months and have been present since before age 12.

• Symptoms must impair functioning in two or more settings like school, work, or social life.

• Clinicians must also rule out other possible causes, such as medical conditions.
   

Embracing Compassion and Empathy

People with ADHD often face rejection, criticism, failure, or isolation. Compassion and putting oneself in the patient’s shoes build trust. It also reduces stigma and motivates treatment.
 

Celebrating Neurodiversity

Accurate ADHD diagnosis allows for embracing the idea that different brains have value. People with ADHD have many strengths, like creativity, curiosity, and passion. If you suspect ADHD, seek help.
 

For more on ADHD, visit Mind and Mood Mental Health, LLC, at our office in Omaha, Nebraska. Call (402) 522-6510 to book an appointment today.