ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough examination by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out other conditions that may resemble ADHD like learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed unless there is evidence of early signs. This could include getting your school records as well as contact with your former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Symptoms
You may have ADHD if you or someone you know has trouble keeping track of time at school, work, or at home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments, or aren't able to keep track of important dates or appointments and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. Getting an evaluation by a health care provider will help you determine if this is the case and If it is an issue, what treatments are available.
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 different settings (school and at home, for instance). The symptoms should also be impacting your ability to perform for example, in class, in creating close relationships, or working in a group. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles to stay organized and paying attention at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
In order to make a diagnosis, your physician will interview you and ask questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctors will also look at your family history and 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 could cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your provider will also want to know how your symptoms affect you now and in the past. They'll also want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly when they are written down. This will help you remember them and give your provider a complete picture of how your symptoms affect you. You may also bring in older records like old reports or performance evaluations. Having these records can help your provider determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your whole life or only was diagnosed in recent times. They can also help your doctor determine if you have other issues like depression or anxiety, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatments increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed and the stigma associated with this disorder is dissolving.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations about children who were unfocused or unable to concentrate. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more common in boys than girls and that they were not related to the quality of education or home environments. Still's report is often associated with the first formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, didn't include ADHD. However, in adhd in adults diagnosis approved stimulant drugs that was the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA released its second edition, which listed a number of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD, although they were still called hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the 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 defines these as presentations, rather than distinct types, and says that they could change over a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. It was the first time that the UK as an entire recognized adults suffering from ADHD by providing them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. 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. Other guidelines have been created by charities and private organizations. In recent years there has been a rise in interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have started to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This knowledge may help to develop better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to determine the severity of the condition. They collect data about the person's past, including their family, education, employment and social history. They will look over old school records and interview teachers, coaches 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 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. A customized questionnaire to the situation will be used by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. They will also use 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. Other ratings will be based on different criteria, such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" Do you have trouble organizing your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical examination. They will determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing or making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to symptoms.
If a person is being evaluated for ADHD in adulthood, they will be asked to complete the questionnaire with their partner or a close friend. This will help to gain the personal insights that questionnaires and checklists are in no way able to provide. This is especially beneficial for people with comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression that often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to spot.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They also look into the family history of the patient and their mental health.
They usually ask people to bring in report cards and school records to review, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They might also request copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker typically is the person who conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They may also conduct interviews with friends, family members, teachers, or employers. It is important to get an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who are not treated can have serious problems. This includes financial problems (impulsive purchases) or marital issues, or failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the doctor may ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior ratings scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of those suffering from ADHD with those of those without the disorder. These ratings are not a diagnosis of ADHD but they play an important element in the evaluation process.
It is also important to examine the patient for other ailments that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical conditions, like head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, so it is essential 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 symptoms in two or more environments, like home, school and work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their life functioning. Typically, the symptoms must be present since the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbid condition.