ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD need a thorough evaluation from a professional who is well-versed in the disorder. They'll likely ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also look for conditions that can mimic ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behaviors, because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines state that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed unless there is evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include getting your school records as well as contact with your former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
You may have ADHD if you or someone you know is struggling to keep up at school, work or at home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments, or cannot keep their schedules in order, then you might be suffering from ADHD. A visit to your health professional can help you find out whether this is the case and in the event that it is an issue, what treatments are available.
To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and be apparent in at least two different settings (school and home, for instance). The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for instance, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a team. It's important to realize that everyone has problems keeping track of their time and staying organized sometimes However, these issues are more severe for those with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will conduct an interview and ask questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also look at your family history, as well as any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will check for health problems, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your provider will want to determine if your symptoms began in your early years (technically at the age of 12). Your doctor will also be interested in knowing how your symptoms are affecting you right now and in the past. They'll want to know if you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
It is helpful to bring a list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly if you've written them down. This will help you remember the symptoms and provide your doctor with a a complete picture of how your symptoms impact you. You may also bring older records like old report cards or performance evaluations. Having these documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your whole life or only was diagnosed recently. These documents can help your doctor rule other problems out like anxiety and depression that share similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in the character of a person. With advances in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed 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 described his observations of children who were inattentive and incapable of focusing. He also noted that the symptoms were more common for boys than girls and that they were not related to the quality of education or home environments. Still's report has been credited with being the first formal recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric handbook, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant drugs that were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA released its second edition that included a variety of mental health conditions. The second edition of the manual included a variety of mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
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. This was the first time the UK as a whole formally recognized with support from healthcare as well as guidance and funding for adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations on the condition. Other guidance has been developed by charities and private organizations. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. read here have started to discover the genes responsible. This information can help develop better, more targeted treatments in the near future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to determine if they have a diagnosis. It doesn't matter if they are a physician who specializes in mental health (such as psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor trained in child and young health (a paediatrician) They will need to collect a range of details about the person's past, including education, family, and social history. They will review old school records and interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they affect life. They will also examine 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 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 person regarding their symptoms by using the appropriate questionnaire to the specific situation. They may also employ different rating scales to evaluate 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 number of other criteria. They include questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sitting still?" and "Do you have difficulty to organize your activities or work?"
They will conduct a physical examination. They will check for any medical conditions that may be creating the symptoms or causing them to become worse, like thyroid problem, 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 allows for a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. They often co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask a series of questions on how their symptoms affect their lives. They also examine the family history of the patient and their mental health.
They can request an original copy of the student's report cards or school records, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker typically is the person who conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic assessment. They may also interview family members, friends and teachers as well as employers. It is important to have thorough evaluations because those who suffer from untreated ADHD can experience serious problems that include financial issues (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the doctor will typically request that the patient complete the standard behavior rating scales developed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of those suffering from ADHD with those of those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is important to also assess the individual to determine if they have other conditions that may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse and also medical ailments like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is crucial that a proper diagnosis is made and the right treatment is offered.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the child or adult must meet several requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must exhibit symptomatic behavior in more than one setting such as school, home, and work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their everyday functioning. The symptoms must first be noticed in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder was not caused by mental illness or other concomitant conditions.