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 previous experiences and conduct an examination of your body. They'll also rule out conditions which may be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid issues.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood behavior as the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This means getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at work, school or at home, is having difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to organize, you may have ADHD. A visit to your health professional will help you determine if this is the case, and If it is the case, what treatments are available.
The symptoms have to be present in at least two different environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months in order to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. They should also seriously interfere with your ability to function in certain ways, like doing well in class, developing close relationships, or functioning on teams. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles to stay organized and paying attention at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. The providers will also examine your family history, as well as any previous psychological or medical tests that you may have taken. They will search for health issues, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, which can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want determine if your symptoms began in your early years (technically, before age 12). Your doctor will also want to know how your symptoms affect you right now and in the past. They'll want to know if you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
It's a good idea to bring your own list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly if you have them written down. This 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 old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or was diagnosed just recently. These documents can help your doctor determine if there are other issues like anxiety and depression that have similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in the character of a person. However, with the advancement of diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding the disorder is fading away.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were unfocused and unfocused. He also noted that these symptoms were more common in boys than girls and were not related to the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited with being the first the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's mental health guideline, released in 1952, didn't include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant drugs which were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, which included a variety of mental health issues. It included symptoms of ADHD however they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reaction in 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 considers these to be presentations rather than distinct types and says that they may change throughout a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as a whole recognised with healthcare support and guidance for adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidelines on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations on the condition. Private and non-profit organizations have also produced guidance. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have started to discover the genes responsible. This knowledge could help in the future to create more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the condition. They collect information from the patient's past including their family, education and employment history as well as social and personal. They will go through old school records and may interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms and how they affect daily 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 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 patient about their symptoms with a questionnaire that is tailored to the particular situation. They will also use various rating scales that look at different aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are based on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a number of other criteria. They include questions like "Do you find it difficult to sitting down?" and "Do you struggle to organize your work or activities?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look for medical conditions that may be creating the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or hearing or vision problems. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these could be contributing to symptoms.
A person who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult may be asked to fill out the questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is particularly beneficial for people who have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD which makes it difficult to discern the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They also review a patient's mental health and family history.
They can request a copy of the student's report card or school records, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker typically will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. Additionally, adhd diagnosis in adults may interview family members, friends and teachers, as well. It is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation because people who suffer from untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues that include financial problems (impulsive spending) or marital issues, as well as failure at college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, a doctor may ask the patient complete standardized behavioral ratings scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important part of the evaluation process.
It is also important to evaluate the individual for other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore crucial to make a correct diagnosis and to be treated accordingly.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet a number of requirements in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show symptomatic behavior in two or more environments, like home, school and work, and the symptoms must be affecting their everyday functioning. Generally speaking, the symptoms should begin in the early years of childhood. A psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder isn't caused by another mental illness or comorbidity.