ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct an examination of your body. They'll also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD, such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood behavior because the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This could include getting your school records as well as contact with your former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up with school, work or at home, and has difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or can't seem to get organized or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. Getting an evaluation by your health professional will help you determine if this is the case and If it is an issue, what treatments are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and be noticeable in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, as an example). The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function, for example, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone struggles to stay on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will interview you and ask questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. Your doctor will also go over your family history as well as any previous medical or psychological tests you may have been through. They will look for health problems like thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will want to know if your symptoms started in childhood (technically prior to age 12). Your doctor will also be interested in knowing how your symptoms affect you right now and in the past. They'll want to know if you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
It's a good idea to bring a list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly when you've written them down. how to diagnose adhd will help you to keep track of your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture about how they impact you. You can also bring records, such as performance evaluations from work or old school report cards. These records can help your provider determine if ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long time. These records can help your doctor to rule out other conditions like anxiety and depression that share similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With advances in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma around this disorder is diminishing.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations regarding children who were inattentive or who were unable to focus. He also noted that these symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and were not correlated with the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited as the first step towards formal recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were the main treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition that included a list of mental health disorders. It included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was released. This led to greater 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 defines these as manifestations rather than distinct types and states that they are able to change throughout a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first occasion that the UK as an entire officially recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with healthcare, funding, support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Other guidelines have been created by private companies 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 will help in the future to develop more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if they have an assessment and diagnose. They collect data about the person's past as well as their family, educational, employment and social history. They might look over old school records or talk to coaches, teachers, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they affect life. They will also consider how the symptoms have changed over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in 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 particular situation will be used by the doctor to ask the patient about their symptoms. They also employ various rating scales to evaluate different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a number of other criteria. They also include questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sitting still?" and "Do you have difficulty to manage your work or activities?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will check for any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to become worse, such as thyroid problem, hearing or vision issues. They will also inquire about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
Someone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to fill out a questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This helps to uncover personal insight that questionnaires and checklists are in no way able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety, which often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to identify.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions on how the symptoms impact their lives. They also examine the family history of the patient and mental health.
They typically request that the person bring in report cards and school records for review, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker is the person who conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. Additionally, they may interview family members, friends, teachers or employers as well. It is crucial to have a an accurate assessment as people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated may face serious issues. These could include financial problems (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the doctor will often request that the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compared the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those without the disorder. These ratings are not an indication of ADHD however they play an important aspect of the process of evaluating.
It is also essential to examine the patient for other ailments that may be similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is crucial that a proper diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or an adult must meet several requirements in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. diagnosis for adhd must exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more settings, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their daily functioning. The symptoms must first be noticed in the early years of childhood. A psychiatric professional must confirm that the disorder was not caused by a mental illness or co-occurring conditions.