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 will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct an examination of your body. They'll also rule out any conditions that may resemble ADHD, such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will also inquire about your childhood behavior, since the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This could include getting your school records as well as contacting previous teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love struggles to keep up at work, school or at home, and has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to stay organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. Getting an evaluation by an expert in health care can help you determine whether this is the case, and If it is, what treatments are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be apparent in at least two different settings (school and home, for instance). The symptoms should also be impacting your ability to perform, for example, in class, in creating close relationships, or working as part of a team. 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.
Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. The doctor will also examine your family history, and any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will be looking for health issues such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders, that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will want to know if your symptoms started in childhood (technically at the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll also be looking to find out if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It is helpful to bring a list of symptoms to the appointment, especially when you've written them down. This will help you remember them and give your physician a an accurate description of the way your symptoms affect you. You may also bring in old records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD is a new issue or has been present for a long period of time. These documents can help your doctor to rule out other conditions like depression and anxiety that share similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatment, more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma associated with this disorder is dissolving.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were unfocused and unable to focus. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report has been credited as the first official 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 which were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition, which included a list of mental health issues. The second edition of the manual listed a number of mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms.
With the release of the fourth edition of the manual on psychiatry in 1994, there was increased 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 manifestations 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. It was the first occasion that the UK as a whole recognized adults with ADHD and provided them with funding, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidelines on ADHD among children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. 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. adhd adults diagnosis could help in the future to create more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose the condition. They collect information about the person's past as well as their family, educational and employment history as well as social and personal. They may review the old school records, or speak with coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also examine 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 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. The doctor will usually talk to the patient about their symptoms using a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific situation. They will also use different rating scales to evaluate different aspects 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 other factors, including questions such as "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do you struggle with organizing your time or activities?
They will conduct an examination for physical health. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that might be causing or making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms.
Anyone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to complete the questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This can help uncover personal insight that checklists and questionnaires are in no way able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for people who have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions about how their symptoms affect their daily lives. They also review a patient's mental health and family history.
They could request a copy of the student's report card or school records, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
Typically an audiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or a social worker conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. In addition, they could interview friends, family members and teachers as well. It is important to have an extensive evaluation as people with untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues such as financial issues (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient fill out standardized behavior ratings scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of those suffering from ADHD to those of people who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they play an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is also important to assess the individual to determine if there are other conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders, and addiction to drugs, and also medical ailments such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, so it is important 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 display symptomatic behavior in two or more environments like school, home or at work, and their symptoms must seriously affect their life functioning. Typically, the symptoms must be present since the early years of life, and a psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbidity.