ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD require a thorough assessment by a specialist who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely ask about your history and perform a physical exam. They will also rule out conditions which can mimic ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid issues.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behavior, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This includes getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up at school, work, or home, has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to stay organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. A visit to an expert in health care will help you determine whether this is the case and, if it is the case, what treatment options are available.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms must be present for at least six months and be noticeable in at least two different settings (school and at home, for example). The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function, for example, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a group. It's important to understand that everyone has issues staying focused and well-organized at times However, these issues are more serious for those with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. The doctors will also review your family history, as well as any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will look for health issues such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders, that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire if you have ever had symptoms during your childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your doctor will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting you at the moment and in the past. They'll also want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they are written down. This will allow you to recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture about how they impact 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 if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or if it began in recent times. They can also assist your doctor to rule out other problems like depression or anxiety, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or a sign of laziness. With the advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with the disorder is slowly fading.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were inattentive and unable to focus. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and were not related to the quality of education or home environments. The report is often credited with the start of formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the psychiatric manual published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant medications which were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA released its second edition which included a list of mental health conditions. The second edition of the manual included a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was published. This led to a 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 views these as presenting symptoms, not distinct types, and states that they can change throughout a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. adhd in adults diagnosis was the first time that the UK as a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD by providing them with funding, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been developed by charities and private organizations. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have started to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This information could help create better targeted, more effective treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the condition. Whether they are a physician who is specialized in mental health (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or an individual doctor who is trained in child and young health (a paediatrician) They will want to gather details about the person's past including education, family, and social histories. They will review old school records and interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also consider how the symptoms have changed with time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, defines the criteria for determining 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 specific situation will be utilized by the doctor to ask the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ various rating scales that look at different aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults while others will be based on other factors, including questions such as "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" and "Do you have difficulty to manage your work or activities?"
They will perform an examination for physical health. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that may be creating the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such a thyroid dysfunction or hearing or vision problems. They will also ask about the individual's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is evaluated for ADHD in adulthood and is being evaluated for ADHD, they will be asked to fill out a questionnaire together with their partner or a trusted friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression that often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to recognize.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They also review the patient's mental health and family history.
They usually ask people to bring in report cards and school records for review, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for 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 conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. Additionally, they may interview family members, friends and teachers, as well. It is essential to obtain an extensive assessment since people with ADHD who are not treated can have serious problems. This includes financial issues (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure to attend colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient fill out standardized behavior ratings scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of those suffering from ADHD to those of individuals who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores are not an indication of ADHD, but they are an important part in the assessment process.
It is crucial to examine the person to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse, as well as medical illnesses such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and the appropriate treatment is provided.
A person of any age must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two different settings that include school, home, or work. The symptoms must severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood, and a psychiatrist must verify that the disorder wasn't caused by mental illness or other comorbid conditions.