ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a specialist in the disorder. They'll likely ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They'll also rule out conditions that could be a cause of ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood behaviors because current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This includes getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or a loved one is having trouble keeping up at school, work or at home, and has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to organize it could be that you suffer from ADHD. Getting an evaluation by your health professional can help you find out if this is the case, and in the event that it is an issue, what treatment options are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and be noticeable in at least two settings (school and home, for example). The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function for example in class, developing close relationships or working in a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone has trouble staying focused and organized at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctors will also look at your family history, as well as any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will be looking for health issues like thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to determine if your symptoms began in your early years (technically at the age of 12). Your provider will also be interested in knowing what your symptoms are doing to 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 the appointment, especially if you've written them down. This will help you to recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture of how they affect you. You can also bring old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long time. They can also assist your doctor to identify other conditions, such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a flaw in character or lazyness. With advances in diagnosis and treatment, more children are diagnosed and the stigma associated with this disorder is fading.
In 1902 Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. diagnosis for adhd shared his observations of children who were irritable and incapable of focusing. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more common in boys than in girls and were unrelated to intelligence or the environment in which they lived. Still's report has been credited with being the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not include ADHD. But in 1955 the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, and listed several mental health conditions. The second edition of the manual included a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD symptoms.
The release of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was increased acceptance and understanding 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 presentations, rather than distinct types and states that they may change over a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults. This 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 released advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Other guidelines have been created by charities and private organizations. In diagnosis of adhd there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have started to discover the genes responsible. This information could be helpful in the future to develop more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to identify the problem. They collect information about the person's past as well as their family, education and employment history as well as social and personal. They might look over the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches, and other professionals that know the person. They will inquire about symptoms and how they affect life. They will also consider how symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, lays out the criteria used to diagnose 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. A questionnaire tailored to the specific situation will be administered by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They will also use various rating scales which examine various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are based on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a range of other criteria and include questions such as "Do you often have trouble sitting still?" and "Do you have difficulty to organize your activities or work?"
They will perform an examination for physical health. They will check for any medical conditions that could be creating the symptoms or causing them to get worse, like thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the individual's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms.
diagnosis of adhd who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult may be asked to complete an assessment with their partner or another close friend. This can help uncover the personal insights that questionnaires and checklists are in no way able to provide. This is especially useful for people who have multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD and can make it difficult to discern the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
A health 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 as well as family history.
They could request an original copy of the student's reports or school records, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They may also request copies of prior tests, such as neuropsychological or psychological which include IQ tests and results from assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker typically will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic assessment. They might also interview family members, friends as well as teachers or employers. It is important to get a comprehensive assessment because people who suffer from ADHD who are not treated may face serious issues. This includes financial problems (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure to attend college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient to complete standardized behavioral ratings scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of individuals who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is also important to evaluate the individual to determine if they have other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders and substance abuse, and medical conditions like thyroid disease or brain injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is crucial that a proper diagnosis is made and that the correct treatment is given.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or an adult must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show symptoms in two or more settings, like home, school and at work, and the symptoms must be affecting their daily functioning. The symptoms must have appeared in childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder was not caused by a mental illness or concomitant conditions.