ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD need a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. They'll likely ask questions about your history and perform a physical exam. They'll also rule out any conditions that can mimic 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 is not diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include finding school records and getting in touch with former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you love is struggling to keep up at school, work, or home, has difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or can't seem to stay organized or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A health care professional's assessment can help you determine if this is the case and, if so, what treatment options there are.
The symptoms have to be present in at least two different environments (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms should also be hindering your ability to function for example, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a group. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles with staying focused and organized sometimes however, these issues are more severe for those with ADHD.
To make a diagnosis, your physician will conduct an interview and ask questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The providers will also review your family history, and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will be looking for health issues, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, which can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms in your childhood (technically before age 12). click hyperlink will also be interested in knowing what your symptoms are doing to you right now and in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It's a good idea to bring your own list of symptoms to the appointment, particularly if you have them written down. This will allow you to remember your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture of how they impact you. You can also bring records, such as performance evaluations from work or old report cards from school. These records can help your provider determine if ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long time. These records can help your doctor to rule out other conditions including depression and anxiety, which have similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma around the disorder is slowly fading.
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 inattentive and unfocused. He also observed that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls and were not related intelligence or home environments. Still's report has been considered to be the first formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant drugs that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, which listed several mental health conditions. The second edition of the manual included a variety of mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
After the publication of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was an increase in acceptance and understanding 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 says that they may change throughout a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time the UK as a whole formally recognised with healthcare support and guidance for adults with ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued a guideline on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Other guidelines have been created by private companies and charities. In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have begun to find the genes responsible. This information could be helpful in the future to develop more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to identify the problem. Whether they are a physician who specializes in mental health (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor who is also trained in child and young health (a paediatrician) They will need to collect a range of details about the patient's life including family, educational, work and social history. They might look over old school records or interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about the 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 used to diagnose 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. A specific questionnaire adapted to the specific situation will be used by the doctor to ask the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ different rating scales to look at various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are based on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a range of other criteria. They include questions such as "Do you often have trouble sitting down?" Do you struggle with organizing your activities or work?
They will conduct an examination for physical health. They will check to see if there are any medical issues that could be causing or aggravating the symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the individual's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they might be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to complete an assessment with their partner or close friend. This helps to uncover the personal insights that checklists and questionnaires are in no way able to provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. They often co-occur with ADHD, making it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care 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 examine a patient's family history and their mental health.
They often ask the person to bring in their 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 tests, including the results of IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker usually is the person who conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic assessment. They may also interview relatives, friends, teachers, or employers. It is essential to obtain an extensive assessment since people with ADHD who aren't treated may face serious issues. These include financial issues (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure to attend colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the doctor may ask the patient to complete standardized behavioral ratings scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors 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 but they play an important part in the process of evaluating.
It is also essential to examine the patient for any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is important that a proper diagnosis is made and that the correct treatment is given.
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 symptoms in at least two settings like school, home, and work. The symptoms should also severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. Typically, the symptoms must be present since childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbidity.