ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD require a thorough assessment by a doctor who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your medical history and conduct an examination of your body. They will also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behaviors, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed without evidence of early signs. This includes finding school records and getting in touch with former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
You may have ADHD in the event that you or someone you love is struggling to keep up at work, school or home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to stay organized, then you might be suffering from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation can help you determine if this is the case, and if so what your treatment options are.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months in order to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses. The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for instance, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a team. It's important to realize that everyone struggles with paying attention and staying well-organized at times however, these issues are more serious with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask 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 that you may have taken. They will search for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms started in childhood (technically at the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they've 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, especially if they are written down. This will help you recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture about how they affect you. You can also bring records such as performance evaluations from work or old report cards from school. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long period of time. adhd diagnoses can also assist your doctor to determine if you have other issues such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in the character of a person. With the advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with this disorder is fading.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations about children who were unable to pay attention or unable to concentrate. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and were not related the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited with being the first step towards the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychotherapy guideline, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968. It included a variety of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still called hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
The release of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was a greater 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 considers these as presentations, rather than distinct types and states that they can change throughout the course of 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 formally recognised with healthcare support and guidance for adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Private organizations and charities have also issued guidance. In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have started to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This information could be helpful in the near future in developing more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the condition. They collect data from the patient's past, including their family, education, employment and social history. They may review the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms and how they impact life. They will also examine how the symptoms have changed with time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, outlines the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in both 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 usually interview the person about their symptoms by using an assessment that is adapted to the specific circumstance. They may also employ different ratings scales to assess various aspects of 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 have difficulty sitting still?" Do you have trouble organizing your work or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will check for any medical conditions that may be creating the symptoms or making them worse, such as thyroid problem, hearing or vision problems. They will also ask the person about their diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is being evaluated for ADHD in adulthood, they will be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or a trusted friend. This will help to gain personal insights that questionnaires and checklists are in no way able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. They often co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to recognize the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions regarding how their symptoms affect their daily lives. They also review a patient's mental health and family history.
They usually ask the person to bring in their report cards and school records for review, especially those from kindergarten through 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.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They may also interview friends, family members as well as teachers or employers. It is essential to obtain a comprehensive assessment because people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. These could include financial problems (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient to complete standardized behavioral ratings scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behaviors of individuals with ADHD to those of people who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings are not the diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important part of the evaluation process.
adhd diagnoses is also crucial to examine the patient for other ailments that may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments. It is therefore important to determine the correct diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.
A child or adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptomatic behavior in more than one setting, like home, school and at work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their life functioning. The symptoms must first be noticed in childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder was not caused by a mental illness or comorbid conditions.