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 history and do an examination of your body. They'll also rule out conditions that may resemble ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This includes getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at work, school or at home, and has trouble remembering important dates or appointments, or is struggling to stay organized or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A visit to your health professional can help you determine if this is the case, and in the event that it is an issue, what treatments are available.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months in order to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. They should also seriously interfere in your ability to function in some ways, such as performing well in classes, forming close relationships, or functioning on teams. It's crucial to understand that everyone has difficulty staying on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. The doctor will also look at your family history, as well as any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will look for health issues, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want determine if your symptoms began in your childhood (technically prior to age 12). Your doctor will also want to know what your symptoms are doing to you now 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, especially if they're written down. This will allow you to recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture about how they impact you. You may also bring old records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations. Having these documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or started just recently. These records can help your doctor to rule out other conditions like anxiety and depression that share similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or lazyness. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma surrounding this disorder is fading.
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 irritable and unable to focus. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more common for boys than girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or the environment in which they lived. Still's report has been credited with being the first step towards official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, didn't include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant drugs which were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. In adhd diagnosis in adults released its second edition that included a variety of mental health conditions. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
With the release of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was an increase in 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 presentations rather than distinct types and says that they may change throughout a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. It was the first occasion that the UK as a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD by providing them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Private organisations and charities have also developed guidelines. In recent times 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 knowledge may help to create better targeted, more effective treatments in the future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the condition. They will collect information about the person's past as well as their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They might look over old school records or talk to teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms and how they impact life. They will also examine how the symptoms have changed over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria 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 usually interview the person regarding their symptoms with the appropriate questionnaire to the particular situation. They may also employ various rating scales that look at different aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are based on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a number of other criteria. They also include questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sitting still?" and "Do you struggle to manage your activities or work?"
adhd diagnosis in adults will conduct a physical examination. They will look to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing or aggravating the symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. They will also inquire about the individual's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is assessed for ADHD at the age of adulthood and is being evaluated for ADHD, they will be asked to complete an assessment with a partner or a close family member. This can help uncover personal insights that questionnaires and checklists not able to provide. This is especially useful for those with comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD, making it difficult to discern the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask them a series of questions on how the symptoms impact their lives. They also look over the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They may ask for copies of the student's reports or school records, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
Typically adult diagnosis of adhd , psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker is the person who conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. In addition, they might interview family members, friends and teachers, as well. It is essential to have an extensive evaluation as people who are not treated for ADHD are susceptible to serious issues such as financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider might ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compared the behavior of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is important to also examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that might exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse and also medical ailments such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and to be treated accordingly.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet a number of requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in two or more settings like school, home and at work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their life functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must verify that the disorder was not caused by a mental illness or comorbid conditions.