ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct physical examination. They will also rule out conditions which may be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will also inquire about your childhood behaviors because the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include finding school records and getting in touch with former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at school, work or at home, and has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to get organized or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine if this is the case, and if so what the treatment options are.
To be eligible 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 at home, for instance). The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function for example, in class, in creating close relationships, or working in a team. It's important to understand that everyone has issues staying focused and organized at times however, these issues are more severe for those with ADHD.
To make a diagnosis, your physician will interview you and ask you questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The providers will also examine your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will be looking for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
adhd diagnosed will ask you whether you've had symptoms in your childhood (technically before age 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they are written down. This will help you remember them and give your provider an accurate picture of how your symptoms impact you. You can also bring documents like performance evaluations from work or old report cards from school. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it was diagnosed just recently. These documents can help your doctor rule other problems out including depression and anxiety, which have similar symptoms as 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 around the disorder is slowly fading.
In 1902 Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations of children who were unfocused and unfocused. He also observed that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls and were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report has been credited as the first the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first edition 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 drugs which were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, which included a variety of mental health issues. The second edition of the APA's manual listed a number of mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms.
In 1994 the fourth edition of 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 considers these as presentations, rather than distinct types, and states that they can change throughout a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), published guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as a whole formally recognised with healthcare support as well as guidance and funding for adults with ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidelines on ADHD among children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Other guidance has been produced by private companies and charities. In recent times, there has been a rising interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to discover the genes that cause it. This information can help create better and more specific treatments in the future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the problem. They collect data from the past of the patient as well as their family, education, employment and social history. They will review the school records from the past and interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also consider how symptoms have changed with time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria to diagnose 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 questionnaire tailored to the situation will be used by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They will also use different scales of assessment that examine different aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults, while others will be based on different criteria, such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" and "Do you struggle to organize your activities or work?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look to determine if there are any medical issues that might be causing or aggravating the symptoms for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the person's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is being evaluated for ADHD in adulthood and is being evaluated for ADHD, they will be asked to complete the questionnaire with their partner or a close family member. This allows for a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires cannot provide. This is especially useful for those with multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to identify the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask a series of questions about how the symptoms impact their lives. They also take a look at the family history of the patient and mental health.
They often ask the person to bring in report cards and school records to review, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They may also request copies of prior psychological or neuropsychological tests such as IQ tests and results from learning disabilities assessments.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker usually conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. In addition, they might interview relatives, friends and teachers as well. It is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation because people with untreated ADHD can experience serious problems, including financial issues (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will typically ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is important to also examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders, and addiction to drugs, and also medical ailments like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to make a correct diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must display symptomatic behavior in two or more settings like school, home and work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their life functioning. The symptoms must have appeared in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder wasn't caused by a mental illness or comorbid conditions.