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'll likely inquire about your past and perform physical examination. They'll also rule out other conditions that may resemble ADHD, such as learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed unless there is evidence of early signs. This could include finding your school records and getting in touch with former teachers and coaches or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
You could be suffering from ADHD in the event that you or someone you know has trouble keeping track of time at work, school or at home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments, or aren't able to stay organized it is possible that they are suffering from ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine if this is true and if so what the treatment options are.
To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be evident in at least two different settings (school and home, for instance). The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function, for example in class, developing close relationships or working in a group. It's crucial to understand that everyone has trouble staying focused and organized at times, but these issues are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you may have been through. They will also look for health issues such as thyroid disorders and seizures, which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've had symptoms in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your provider will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting you at the moment and in the past. They'll also be looking to find out whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially when they are written down. This will allow you to keep track of your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture about how they impact you. You may also bring other records, such as performance evaluations from work or old school report cards. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or if it was diagnosed recently. These documents can help your doctor determine if there are other issues, such as depression and anxiety that have 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 the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with 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 inattentive or who were unable to focus. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more common in boys than in girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or home environment. Still's report has been credited with being the beginning of official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant drugs which were the main treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, which listed a number of mental health conditions. It included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was released. 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 manifestations rather than distinct types and states that they can change over time.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. This was the first time the UK as a whole formally recognized with support from healthcare, funding and guidance adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS recommendations on the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been developed by private companies and charities. In recent years there has been a rising interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to discover the genes responsible for it. This information could be helpful in the future to create more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if they have the diagnosis. They collect information from the patient's past, including their family, education and employment history, as well as their social history. They will look over old school records and may interview coaches, teachers, and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about symptoms and how they impact life. They will also examine how symptoms have changed with time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the guidelines 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 person about their symptoms by using the appropriate questionnaire to the specific circumstance. They may also employ various rating scales that look at different aspects of the 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 other factors, including questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" Do you have trouble organizing your work or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will check to see whether there are any medical problems which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing problems. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
Anyone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to fill out an assessment with their partner or another close friend. This helps to uncover personal insights that questionnaires and checklists are in no way able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for those with comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. They often co-occur with ADHD, making it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They also take a look at the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They often ask the person to bring in their report cards and school records to review, specifically those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
Typically the psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. They may also conduct interviews with friends, family members as well as teachers or employers. It is important to get an extensive assessment since people with ADHD who are not treated can have serious problems. getting diagnosed with adhd include financial issues (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure to attend college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider might ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those without the disorder. These scores do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD but are an important aspect of the assessment process.
It is also important to examine the patient for any other medical conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is essential to make sure that a valid diagnosis is made and the right treatment is offered.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in at least two different settings, such as school, home, or work. diagnosis for adhd in adults must also substantially affect the way they live of their lives. Generally speaking, the symptoms should have started in childhood, and a psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbidity.