ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They'll likely ask questions about your history and perform an examination. They'll also rule out conditions which may be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid disorders.
The doctor will also inquire about your childhood behavior as current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up at school, work or at home, is having difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to stay organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. An evaluation by a health care provider can help you determine whether this is the case, and in the event that it is, what treatment options are available.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses. They should also seriously interfere with your ability to function in certain ways, such as doing well in school, developing close bonds, or working in teams. It's crucial to understand that everyone struggles to stay focused and organized at times, but these issues are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
In order to make a diagnosis, your physician will conduct an interview and ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctors will also examine your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will be looking for health problems such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want know if your symptoms started in your early years (technically, before age 12). Your provider will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting you at the moment and in the past. They'll want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they're written down. This will help you remember the symptoms and provide your doctor with a a complete picture of how your symptoms impact you. You can also bring documents such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old school report cards. These records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or if it began in recent times. These records can help your provider to rule out other conditions including anxiety and depression that have similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatments more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma around this disorder is dissolving.
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 irritable and unfocused. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more prevalent for boys than girls and were not related to the home environment or intelligence. The report is often credited as the beginning of official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, didn't include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant drugs that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA published its second edition, which included a variety of mental health conditions. The second edition of the manual listed several mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms.
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. adhd in adults undiagnosed -5 defines these as presentations, rather than distinct types, and states that they may change over the course of 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 and provided them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued a guideline on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Other guidance has been produced by charities and private organizations. In recent times there has been an increase in interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to identify the genes that cause it. This information could be helpful in the future to create more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to identify the problem. 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 symptoms and how they impact life. They will also look at how the symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, outlines the criteria for determining 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 typically interview the person regarding their symptoms by using a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific circumstance. They may also employ different rating scales to evaluate 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 different criteria, such as "Do you find it difficult sitting still?" and "Do you have difficulty to organize your activities or work?"
They will perform an examination of the body. They will check to see whether there are any medical issues which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the person's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they might be contributing to the symptoms.
Someone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to complete a questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This will help to gain personal insights that questionnaires and checklists in no way able to provide. This is especially beneficial for people with comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety which are often associated with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to identify.
Psychological Evaluation
A health professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They also look into a patient's family history and their mental health.
They could request a copy of the student's report card or school records, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They may also request copies of prior tests for neuropsychology or psychological which include IQ tests and results from learning disabilities assessments.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. Additionally, they may interview family members, friends and teachers as well. It is essential to obtain an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who are not treated can have serious problems. This includes financial issues (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure to attend colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, a doctor will typically ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people without the disorder. These scores do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is also important to check the person for other conditions that could have similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, so it is important that a proper diagnosis is made and the right treatment is offered.
To be considered to have ADHD, the child or adult must meet several criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in more than one setting such as school, home, or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their everyday functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in the early years of childhood. A psychiatric professional must confirm that the disorder was not caused by an illness of the mind or other comorbid conditions.