ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They'll likely ask about your history and perform a physical exam. They'll also rule out conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behaviors, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed unless there is evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include finding your school records and contacting previous teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
You may have ADHD if you or someone you love is struggling to keep up at school, work, or home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to stay organized, then you might 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 must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be apparent in at least two settings (school and home, for example). The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for example in class, creating close relationships, or working as part of a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone struggles to stay organized and paying attention at times, but these problems are more severe in the case of ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. The doctors will also examine your family history, as well as any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will look for health issues like thyroid issues and seizure disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you if you have ever had symptoms during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms impact you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they're written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider an accurate picture of how 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 records can help your provider determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or was diagnosed just recently. These records can help your provider determine if there are other issues like anxiety and depression, which have similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With advances in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma surrounding 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 unable to pay attention or unable to concentrate. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or home environment. Still's report has been credited with being the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the psychiatric manual released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved the use of a stimulant drug, which was the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, which included a variety of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD however 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 views these as presentations, not distinct types, and says that they could change over the course of a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults. It was the first occasion that the UK as a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD and provided them with healthcare, funding, support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Private and non-profit organizations have also developed guidelines. In diagnose adhd , there has been a rise in interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have begun to discover the genes responsible. This information could be helpful in the near future in developing more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Exam
An expert in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to establish a diagnosis. They will collect information from the past of the patient including their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They will review the school records from the past and interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms and how they affect life. They will also look at 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 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 specific questionnaire adapted to the specific situation will be utilized by the doctor to ask the patient about their symptoms. They will also use different scales of assessment which examine various aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a variety of other criteria and include questions such as "Do you often have trouble sitting down?" Do you have trouble organizing your activities or work?
They will perform a physical exam. They will check to see if there are any medical conditions that could be causing or making the symptoms worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing problems. They will also inquire with the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these may be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to fill out a questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires cannot provide. This is especially beneficial for people with comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to spot.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions regarding how the symptoms impact their daily lives. They also look over the patient's mental health and family history.
They typically request that the person bring in their report cards and school records for review, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They might also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually will conduct the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. Additionally, they may interview relatives, friends and teachers as well. It is crucial to have a an extensive assessment since people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. These include financial issues (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the doctor may ask the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is important to also assess the individual to determine if they have other conditions that may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs, and also medical ailments like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.
To be considered to have ADHD, a child or an adult must meet several criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in at least two settings like school, home, or work. The symptoms must also significantly interfere with the functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have appeared in childhood, and a psychiatrist must verify that the disorder was not caused by an illness of the mind or other co-occurring conditions.