ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD require a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is well-versed in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your past and perform physical examination. They will also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid disorders.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood habits because current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could mean finding your school records and getting in touch with former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up at work, school, or home, has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to organize, you may have ADHD. A visit to a health care provider can help you find out if this is the case and, if it is the case, what treatments are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms have to be present for at least six months and be noticeable in at least two settings (school and at home, for example). The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function, for example, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone has trouble staying focused and organized at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD.
To make an assessment, your doctor will conduct an interview and ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you've had. They will look for health issues such as thyroid disorders and seizures, which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will ask whether you've had symptoms during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms affect you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll also want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It is helpful to bring your own list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly if you've written them down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider an accurate picture of how your symptoms affect you. You can also bring old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD is a recent issue or has been present for a long period of time. They can also assist your doctor to rule out other problems such as depression or anxiety which can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or laziness. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed 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 shared his observations of children who were unable to pay attention or unable to concentrate. He also pointed out that these signs were more common in boys than in girls and were unrelated to intelligence or home environment. Still's report is often credited as the beginning of formal recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric manual, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA), did not include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that 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 the symptoms of ADHD, although 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. killer deal -5 views these as presentations, not distinct types and states that they can change throughout a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), published guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first time that the UK as a whole recognized adults with ADHD and provided them with healthcare, funding, support 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. Private organisations and charities have also produced guidance. In recent years there has been a rise in interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have begun to find the genes responsible. This knowledge may help to create better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Read the Full Report in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose the condition. They will collect information from the patient's past including their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They might review old school records or interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they interfere with life. They will also look at how symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, outlines the criteria used to diagnose 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. A specific questionnaire adapted to the specific situation will be used by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They will also use different scales of assessment that examine different aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a range of other criteria. They include questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do you struggle with organizing your time or activities?
They will perform a physical exam. They will look to determine whether there are any medical conditions which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing problems. They will also inquire with the patient about their diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they could contribute to symptoms.
Someone who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially useful for those suffering from comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD which makes it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
A health professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They also take a look at a patient's family history and their mental health.
They usually ask the person to bring in report cards and school records to review, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker is the person who conducts the interview part of an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. Additionally, they may interview family members, friends and teachers as well. It is important to have an extensive evaluation as people who are not treated for ADHD can experience serious problems such as financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will often request that the patient complete the standard behavior rating scales developed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD with those of those without the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is also important to evaluate the individual to determine if they have other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders, and addiction to drugs, and medical conditions such as thyroid diseases or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore important to establish a proper diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or an adult must meet a number of criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in at least two environments like home, school, and work. The symptoms must also significantly interfere with the functioning of their lives. Generally, the symptoms must be present since childhood, and a psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.