ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD require a thorough evaluation by a doctor who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely ask about your medical history and conduct an examination. 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 behavior, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults cannot be diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This could include getting your school records as well as contact with your former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Symptoms
If you or a loved one is struggling to keep up at work, school or at home, is having difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or can't seem to stay organized, you may have ADHD. Getting an evaluation by an expert in health care can help you determine whether this is the case and in the event that it is an issue, what treatments are available.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be noticeable in at least two different settings (school and home, for example). They should also significantly interfere with your ability to function in certain ways, such as doing well in class, developing close bonds, or working on teams. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles to stay focused and organized at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
To make a diagnosis, your provider will interview you and ask questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The providers will also look at your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will check for health problems, like thyroid disorders or seizures, which could cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms in your childhood (technically before 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 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 recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture about how they impact you. You may also bring in older records like old reports or performance evaluations. These records can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem throughout your whole life or only began recently. These documents can help your doctor rule other problems out like anxiety and depression, which have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a personality flaw or lazyness. However, with the advancement of diagnosis and treatments increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed and the stigma associated with the disorder is fading away.
In 1902 Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations of children who were irritable and unfocused. He also pointed out that these signs were more common for boys than girls and were unrelated to intelligence or home environment. Still's report has been considered to be the beginning of official recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of the psychiatric manual published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not include ADHD. But in 1955, the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that became the preferred treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA published its second edition that included a list of mental health issues. It included symptoms of ADHD, although they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was published. This led to 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 states that they can change throughout a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as an entire officially recognized adults with ADHD, providing them with healthcare, funding, support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD among children. These two documents are the only official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been produced by private organisations and charities. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to discover the genes that cause it. This information could help create better targeted, more effective treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the condition. They will collect information about the person's past as well as their family, educational, employment and social history. They will look over old school records and 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 consider how the symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, defines the criteria used to diagnose 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 person about their symptoms using a questionnaire that is tailored to the particular situation. They may also employ a variety of rating scales that look at different aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults while others will be based on other criteria, such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" and "Do you struggle to organize your activities or work?"
They will conduct a physical examination. They will check for any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such as thyroid disorder, vision or hearing issues. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these may be contributing to symptoms.
Anyone who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult will likely be asked to fill out an assessment with their partner or close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially beneficial for people who have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These are often associated with ADHD and can make it difficult to identify the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions regarding how their symptoms affect their daily lives. They also look into the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They usually ask people to bring in their report cards and school records to review, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They may request copies of any previous tests, such as neuropsychological or psychological such as IQ tests and results from learning disabilities assessments.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker conducts the interview portion in an evaluation of the severity of adhd. Additionally, they may interview family members, friends and teachers, as well. It is important to get an extensive assessment since people who suffer from ADHD who are not treated may face serious issues. This includes financial problems (impulsive purchases) or marital issues, or failure to attend college or other educational institutions.
During adhd diagnoses , a doctor might ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD but they play an important aspect of the assessment process.
It is crucial to assess the individual to determine if there are other conditions that might exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs, and medical conditions such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and that the right treatment is offered.
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 exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two environments like school, home, or work. The symptoms must severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood and a psychiatrist must verify that the disorder is not caused by an illness of the mind or other comorbid conditions.