ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your history and perform a physical exam. They'll also rule out conditions which may be similar to ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood behavior, since the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up with school, work or at home, is having trouble remembering important dates or appointments, or is unable to stay organized or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation will help you determine if this is true and, if so what the treatment options are.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and be noticeable in at least two different settings (school and at home, as an example). They must also be a major obstacle in your ability to function in certain ways, such as doing well in school, developing close relationships, or functioning on teams. It's important to realize that everyone struggles to stay organized and paying attention at times, but these problems are more severe in the case of ADHD.
Your provider will ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also look at your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests that you may have taken. They will check for health issues such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will want to be aware of whether your symptoms began in your early years (technically at the age of 12). Your provider will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting you now and in the past. They'll want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
It is helpful to bring your own list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly if you have them written down. get adhd diagnosis will aid in remembering the symptoms and provide your doctor with a an accurate picture of the way your symptoms affect you. You may also bring older records like old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your provider determine if ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it was diagnosed recently. They can also assist your doctor to rule out other problems such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a personality flaw or lazyness. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with 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 of children who were inattentive and unable to focus. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and that they were not related to the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited with being the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of the psychiatric manual, published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not include ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were the main treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, and included a variety of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD, although they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
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 presenting symptoms, not distinct types and states that they can change throughout a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as a whole recognized adults with ADHD and provided them with healthcare, funding, assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations on the condition. Private and non-profit organizations have also issued guidance. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to find the genes responsible for it. This information could help develop better targeted, more effective treatments in the future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to identify the problem. They collect data from the past of the patient, including their family, education, employment and social history. They will look over old school records and may interview coaches, teachers, and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms and how they affect daily life. They will also look at how the symptoms have changed with time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, lays out the criteria used 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. The specialist will typically interview the person regarding their symptoms with a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific situation. They may also employ different ratings scales to assess different aspects 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 different factors, including questions such as "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do you struggle with organizing your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look to determine whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing or making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing issues. They will also ask the person about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if they could contribute to 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 close family member. This can help uncover personal insights that questionnaires and checklists not able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. These are often associated with ADHD which makes it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions regarding how the symptoms impact their lives. They also review a patient's mental health and family history.
They often request that the person bring in their report cards and school records to review, specifically those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker conducts the interview portion of an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. In addition, they could interview friends, family members, teachers or employers as well. It is important to have thorough evaluations because those who are not treated for ADHD are susceptible to serious issues that include financial issues (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failure at college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will typically ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those without the disorder. These scores do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is also important to examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that might be similar to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse, and also medical ailments such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, so it is important that a proper diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must display symptomatic behavior in more than one setting, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must seriously affect their everyday functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood, and a psychiatric professional must confirm that the disorder is not caused by mental illness or other concomitant conditions.