ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct physical examination. They'll also rule out conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like learning disorders, mood disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines state that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed without evidence of early signs. This includes finding school records and getting in touch with former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
You may have ADHD if you or someone you know is struggling to keep up at school, work or at home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to stay organized and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. A health care professional's assessment will help you determine if this is the case, and, if so, what treatment options there are.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses. They should also seriously interfere with your ability to function in some ways, like doing well in classes, forming close relationships, or functioning as a member of a team. It's important to understand that everyone struggles with keeping track of their time and staying 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 affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any past medical or psychological tests you may have been through. They will search for health problems such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms in your childhood (technically before the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also be looking to find out whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It is helpful to bring your own list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly if you have them written down. This will allow you to remember your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture of how they impact you. You can also bring old records such as old reports or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long period of time. They can also help your provider rule out other problems such as anxiety or depression that often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma surrounding the disorder is slowly fading.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations regarding children who were unfocused or who were unable to focus. He also pointed out that these signs were more common in boys than in girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or home environment. Still's report is often credited with the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the psychiatric handbook, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA), did not include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications which were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA released its second edition that listed a number of mental health issues. It included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still called hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of 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 considers these to be presentations rather than distinct types and says that they may change over the course of a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), published guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first time that the UK as an entire recognized adults suffering from ADHD by providing them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued a guideline on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS recommendations regarding the condition in Scotland. Private organisations and charities have also produced guidance. In recent times there has been a rising interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to find the genes that cause it. This information can help create better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to identify the problem. They collect data from the patient's past as well as their family, education and employment history, as well as their social history. They might look over old school records or talk to coaches, teachers, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they interfere with life. They will also look at how symptoms have changed with time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults. 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. The specialist will typically interview the patient about their symptoms with the appropriate questionnaire to the specific situation. They may also employ a variety of rating scales which examine various aspects of the 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 work or activities?
They will perform an examination for physical health. They will check for any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms or causing them to become worse, such a 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 assessed for ADHD as an adult may be asked to complete the questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This allows for a deeper understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression which are often associated with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to recognize.
Psychological Evaluation
A health professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. why not look here go over the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They can request an original copy of the student's reports or school records, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of prior tests, such as neuropsychological or psychological which include IQ tests and results from learning disabilities assessments.
Typically the psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will conduct the interview portion in an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. They may also interview family members, friends and teachers as well as employers. It is essential to have thorough evaluations because those who are not treated for ADHD may have serious issues that include financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior ratings scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of individuals with ADHD with those of those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings are not the diagnosis of ADHD but are an important element of the evaluation process.
It is important to also evaluate the individual to determine if there are other conditions that could be similar to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders, and addiction to drugs, as well as medical illnesses like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a proper diagnosis and be treated accordingly.
To be considered to have ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet several requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptomatic behavior in two or more environments like school, home or at work, and their symptoms must significantly interfere with their life functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood, and a psychiatrist must verify that the disorder was not caused by mental illness or other concomitant conditions.