Understanding ADHD in Adults: A Comprehensive Guide

ADHD affects 2.5% of adults worldwide. Many remain undiagnosed due to the misconception that it's a childhood disorder. Symptoms are often mistaken for other mental health issues. Women, in particular, can be overlooked because their symptoms may differ from those typically seen in men. Clinicians may also be unfamiliar with how ADHD manifests in adults.

Identifying ADHD in adults is challenging. An astounding 80% of adults with ADHD also deal with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. According to the DSM-5, ADHD has three distinct types: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined.

This variability highlights the importance of appropriate screening to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Adult ADHD: The Importance of Screening

This article provides a validated screening tool to help identify adult ADHD. Recognizing symptoms early can assist you or someone you care about in managing this condition effectively.

Recognising Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

ADHD symptoms differ from regular forgetfulness or restlessness. They persist across various settings and disrupt multiple areas of life. Unlike temporary difficulties we all face, these symptoms are ongoing.

Research indicates that approximately 65% of those diagnosed in childhood continue to experience difficulties as adults. However, only about 15% meet the DSM-5 criteria for adult diagnosis. Symptoms don't vanish; they simply change over time.

Inattention Symptoms in Adults

• Tasks and projects remain unfinished.

• Organization and priority-setting become difficult.

• Appointments are often forgotten.

• Boring or repetitive tasks lead to distraction.

• Items frequently get misplaced.

• Conversations become hard to follow.

  
  

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms

• Restlessness feels more internal than outwardly physical.

• Financial decisions are often made impulsively.

• Excessive talking interrupts conversations frequently.

• Relaxation proves to be challenging.

• Taking turns in discussions can be tough.

  
  

Adults with ADHD often leave a "trail of incompletions." They may struggle to meet deadlines or keep commitments. Time may feel like "a collection of events" rather than a linear sequence. This can significantly impact daily functioning.

If you notice ongoing difficulties in various areas starting before the age of 12, a professional assessment is vital. Often, ADHD does not occur in isolation. More than half of adults with ADHD also experience mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. There's also a strong correlation with autism - about half of those with autism also have ADHD.

Choosing the Appropriate ADHD Test or Quiz for Self-Screening

Several validated screening tools exist for adult ADHD. The World Health Organization's Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) is the most recognized and scientifically validated option.

The 18-item ASRS assesses all DSM-based ADHD symptoms with two subscales: Inattentiveness and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. The scoring uses a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4.

Instructions to Use ASRS

Answer the following questions by rating yourself based on the criteria on the right side of this page. As you respond, select the box that best describes your feelings and behaviors over the past six months.

Part A: A total score of 14 or higher indicates that your symptoms align closely with ADHD in adults.

Part B: A score of 27 or higher suggests a significant impact of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity on your life.

Although convenient, online ADHD tests cannot replace a professional diagnosis. While screeners can accurately identify non-ADHD individuals, they may provide false positives. The best positive predictive values in clinical samples reach only 61%, with most screening tools falling below 20%.

Seeking Clinical Evaluation for ADHD

If your ASRS scores are elevated, it's crucial to explore how ADHD traits affect your daily life and well-being. ADHD may require support if accompanied by:

• Persistent focus struggles leading to hindered work or personal tasks.

• Impulse control issues impacting decision-making and social interactions.

• Severe procrastination or disorganization, making it hard to follow through on plans.

  
  

Getting a Formal ADHD Diagnosis in Singapore

In Singapore, obtaining a professional medical evaluation is essential for an ADHD diagnosis. This process differs from self-screening tools and opens the door to treatment options and support services.

Who Can Diagnose ADHD

Only psychologists and psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose ADHD in Singapore. These professionals use standardized assessment tools adhering to the DSM-5 criteria to ensure accuracy.

The Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic process includes detailed evaluations such as:

• Comprehensive psychiatric history assessment.

• Clinical interviews and structured questionnaires.

• Review of childhood and school records.

• Interviews with informants, often parents or family members.

• Objective attention tests or brain scans.

  
  

Benefits of Formal Diagnosis

Receiving an official diagnosis not only helps individuals comprehend and validate their lifelong challenges but also offers emotional relief. Many discover they are not "lazy" but rather have a treatable condition. An accurate diagnosis grants access to educational accommodations, specialized support services, and tailored intervention plans.

Conclusion

ADHD affects millions of adults globally, yet many remain undiagnosed. This article shed light on ADHD screening, symptoms, and diagnosis, specifically within the Singaporean context. Research shows that ADHD presentations vary significantly between adults and children, making accurate screening crucial.

The ASRS and similar tools provide valuable insights into potential ADHD symptoms, but these should be viewed as preliminary steps toward professional evaluation. A formal diagnosis not only validates personal challenges but also aids in acquiring appropriate treatments and support.

ADHD is complex and can influence various aspects of daily life. Your first step should be scheduling an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. The right diagnosis can greatly enhance your quality of life.

FAQs

Q1. What are common symptoms of ADHD in adults?

Common symptoms include chronic difficulty completing tasks, problems with organization, frequent forgetfulness, easily getting distracted, impulsive decision-making, and internal restlessness. These symptoms must disrupt multiple areas of life to indicate ADHD.

Q2. How accurate are online ADHD screening tools?

Online tools like the ASRS provide valuable initial insights but are not definitive. They may yield false positives, so a positive result should prompt a professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.

Q3. Who can diagnose ADHD in Singapore?

In Singapore, only psychologists and psychiatrists are qualified to formally diagnose ADHD. They apply standardized assessment tools in accordance with DSM-5 criteria.

Q4. What benefits come from obtaining a formal ADHD diagnosis as an adult?

A formal diagnosis offers validation for lifelong struggles, access to suitable treatment options, and eligibility for educational accommodations and support services. It can also bring emotional relief by clarifying difficulties once seen as personal failures.