ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your past and perform physical examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that may resemble ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines state that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This may include getting your school records as well as getting in touch with former teachers and coaches or religious leaders.
Symptoms
You could be suffering from ADHD in the event that you or someone you know is having trouble keeping up at work, school or home. If they can't 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. A health care provider's evaluation can help you determine whether this is the case, and, if so what the treatment options are.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months to be able to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must 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 with keeping track of their time and staying well-organized at times However, these issues are more serious 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 medical or psychological tests you've been through. They will search for health problems like thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you if you have ever had symptoms in your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms impact you today and how they've 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 if you've written them down. This will aid in remembering the symptoms and provide your doctor with a an accurate picture of how your symptoms affect you. You can also bring old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD is a new issue or has been present for a long time. These documents can help your doctor determine if there are other issues like anxiety and depression that share similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. However, with the advancement of diagnosis and treatments more children are being diagnosed and the stigma around this disorder is dissolving.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations of children who were irritable and incapable of focusing. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls and were not related the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been considered to be the first the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first 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 prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, which listed several mental health conditions. The second edition of the APA's manual listed a number of mental health conditions, such as 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 considers these to be manifestations rather than distinct types and says that they may change over the course of a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. It was the first occasion that the UK as an entire recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Private and non-profit organizations have also issued guidance. In adhd diagnosis in adult , there has been a growing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have started to discover the genes responsible. This knowledge may help to create better, more targeted treatments in the future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts an extensive assessment to establish an assessment and diagnose. They collect information from the past of the patient including their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They will review old school records and interview coaches, teachers, and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also consider 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 specific questionnaire adapted to the situation will be utilized by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ different scales of assessment that look at different aspects of the 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 to sit still?" Do you struggle to organize your work or activities?
They will conduct an examination for physical health. They will check to see whether there are any medical issues that might be causing or making the symptoms worse like thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This can be particularly useful for those suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety which are often associated with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to recognize.
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 look over the patient's mental health and family history.
They often ask the person to bring in report cards and school records for review, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, including results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic assessment. They may also interview relatives, friends and teachers as well as employers. It is crucial to have a an extensive assessment since people with ADHD who are not treated can have serious problems. This includes financial issues (impulsive purchases) or marital issues, or failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, a doctor will often request that the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those without the disorder. These scores are not an official diagnosis of ADHD however they play an important part in the process of evaluating.
It is also crucial to examine the patient for other conditions that could be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance abuse and medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and that the correct treatment is given.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptoms in two or more settings such as school, home, and work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their daily functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must verify that the disorder was not caused by mental illness or other concomitant conditions.