ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD require a thorough evaluation by a doctor who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct an examination of your body. They'll also rule out conditions which may be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid issues.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behaviors, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed unless there is evidence of childhood symptoms. This may include obtaining your school records and contacting previous teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love is struggling to keep up at school, work, or home, has difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or is struggling to get organized, you may have ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine whether this is the case, and, if it is what your treatment options are.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months in order to be able to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for example, in class, in forming close relationships or in working as part of a team. It's important to realize that everyone has problems keeping track of their time and staying organized sometimes However, these issues are more serious with ADHD.
Your provider will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. Providers will also review your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you've had. They will look for health problems like thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which could cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will ask whether you've had symptoms during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). Your provider will also want to know what your symptoms are doing to you now and in the past. They'll also be looking to find out if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It's a good idea to bring your own list of symptoms to the appointment, particularly when you've written them down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider a complete picture of the way your symptoms affect you. You can also bring records, such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old report cards from school. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD is a recent issue or has been present for a long period of time. They can also help your doctor identify other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatments, more children are being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding the disorder is fading away.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations about children who were unfocused or who were unable to focus. He also noted that the symptoms were more common for boys than girls and were not related the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited with being the first step towards the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA released its second edition, which included a list of mental health disorders. The second edition of the APA's manual included a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms.
After the publication of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was increased understanding and acceptance of ADHD. Its name was changed to Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity and the standard definition of three types of ADHD symptoms was established: mostly inattentive, mainly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The current DSM-5 views these as presenting symptoms, not distinct types, and says that they can change throughout a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time the UK as a whole recognized with support from healthcare as well as guidance and funding for adults with ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. click this are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Other guidance has been developed by private organisations and charities. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have begun to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This knowledge could help in the future to develop more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
An expert in ADHD conducts an extensive assessment to establish an assessment and diagnose. They collect information about the person's past including their family, educational, employment and social history. They might look over the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches, and other professionals that know the person. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect life. They will also examine how symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, defines the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in both adults and children. To meet these criteria, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity must be present in multiple settings, cause significant impairment and have started before age 12. A specific questionnaire adapted to the situation will be administered by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They also employ various rating scales to look at various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be based on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults while others will be based on other criteria, including questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do you struggle to organize your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will determine whether there are any medical problems which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing issues. They will also ask the patient about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these may be contributing to the symptoms.
Someone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to fill out a questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, which often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to identify.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask them a series of questions on how the symptoms affect their daily lives. They also look into the family history of the patient and their mental health.
They typically ask people to bring in report cards and school records for review, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, including results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker usually will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. In addition, they might interview relatives, friends, teachers or employers as well. It is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation because people who are not treated for ADHD may have serious issues such as financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, a doctor may ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compared the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is also important to check the person for any other medical conditions that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore important to establish a proper diagnosis and receive the right treatment.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more settings, like home, school and at work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their daily functioning. Generally, the symptoms must be present since the early years of life, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbidity.