ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD need a thorough evaluation by a doctor who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely ask questions about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also look for conditions that may be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood habits, since current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include getting your school records as well as contact with your former teachers and coaches or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up with school, work or at home, is having difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or is struggling to organize it could be that you suffer from ADHD. Getting an evaluation by an expert in health care will help you determine whether this is the case, and, if it is the case, what treatment options are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be noticeable in at least two different settings (school and at home, as an example). The symptoms must also be impacting your ability to perform, for example in class, forming close relationships or in working in a group. It's important to understand that everyone struggles with staying focused and well-organized at times however, these issues are more serious with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. The doctor will also look over your family history as well as any past medical or psychological tests you've been through. They will look for health issues, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms started in your early years (technically, before age 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms affect you now and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially when they are written down. This will help you recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture of how they affect you. You may also bring in old records, such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or started recently. They can also help your provider identify other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With adhd in adults diagnosis in diagnosis and treatment, more children are diagnosed and the stigma associated with this disorder is diminishing.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations regarding children who were unable to pay attention or incapable of concentrating. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more common in boys than in girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or the environment in which they lived. Still' adhd in adults undiagnosed has been considered to be the first step towards formal recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of the psychiatric manual published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant medications which were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, which included a variety of mental health issues. The second edition of the manual listed several mental health issues, including ADHD symptoms.
After the publication of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was an increase in awareness 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 as presentations, rather than distinct types, and states that they could change over the course of a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first time that the UK as an entire officially recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with healthcare, funding, assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also released guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Private and non-profit organizations have also produced guidance. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to find the genes responsible for it. This information could help create better targeted, more effective treatments in the future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts an extensive assessment to establish a diagnosis. 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 gather a variety of details about the person's past that includes the family, educational, work and social histories. They may review old school records or interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they affect daily life. They will also look at 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 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 specialist will typically interview the person regarding their symptoms with the appropriate questionnaire to the specific situation. They will also use different rating scales to look at different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be based 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 find it difficult to sit still?" Do you struggle with organizing your activities or work?
They will perform a physical exam. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms or making them worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or hearing or vision problems. They will also ask about the individual's diet 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 an assessment with their partner or close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially useful for those with comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. These often co-occur along with ADHD, making it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions on how the symptoms affect their daily lives. They also review the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They may ask for an original copy of the student's report cards or school records, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
Typically an audiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. In addition, they could interview relatives, friends, teachers or employers as well. It is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation because people who are not treated for ADHD can experience serious problems such as financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, a doctor will often ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those without the disorder. These scores do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important part of the assessment process.
It is also important to check the person for any other medical conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore crucial to make a correct diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.
To be considered to have ADHD, the child or adult must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in two or more settings such as school, home, or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their life functioning. Typically, the symptoms must be present since the early years of life, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbidity.