ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They'll likely ask about your history and do an examination. They'll also rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This may include obtaining your school records and contact with your former teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
If you or a loved one is having trouble keeping up at work, school or at home, is having difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or is struggling to organize, you may have ADHD. A health professional's assessment will help you determine if this is the case, and, if so, what treatment options there are.
To meet adhd diagnosing for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be evident in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, as an example). They should also significantly interfere in your ability to function in certain ways, like doing well in class, developing close relationships, or functioning as a member of a team. It's important to realize that everyone struggles with keeping track of their time and staying organized sometimes However, these issues are more severe for those with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctors will also look at your family history, and any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will look for health issues such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want know if your symptoms started in childhood (technically prior to age 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms affect you today and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also be looking to find out whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially if they are written down. adhd diagnose will help you keep track of your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture of how they impact you. You may also bring other records such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old report cards from school. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or started just recently. They can also assist your doctor to rule out other problems such as depression or anxiety, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma around the disorder is fading away.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations of children who were inattentive and incapable of focusing. He also noted that these symptoms were more common in boys than girls and were not related to intelligence or home environment. Still's report is often credited with the first the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant drugs that were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, and listed a number of mental health conditions. The second edition of the APA's manual listed several mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
With the release of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was a greater 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 presenting symptoms, not distinct types, and states that they could change over a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as a whole formally acknowledged with healthcare support and guidance for adults who suffer from ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidelines on ADHD among children. These two documents are the sole official NHS recommendations on the condition in Scotland. Private organizations and charities have also issued guidance. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to discover the genes that cause it. This information can help develop better targeted, more effective treatments in the future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the condition. Whether they are a physician who is specialized 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 want to gather details about the person's past including the family, educational, work and social histories. They will go through old school records and interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they affect life. They will also look at how the symptoms have changed with 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 doctor will usually talk to the patient about their symptoms with a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific circumstance. They may also employ different rating scales to evaluate various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be based on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults, while others will be based on other factors, including questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" Do you struggle with organizing your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look for medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such a thyroid problem, hearing or vision issues. They will also inquire with the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could contribute to symptoms.
Someone who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to complete an assessment with their partner or another close friend. This can help uncover personal insights that questionnaires and checklists not able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to identify the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask a series of questions about how the symptoms impact their daily lives. They also look into the family history of the patient and mental health.
They often ask people to bring in their report cards and school records to review, 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.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker usually will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They might also interview friends, family members and teachers as well as employers. It is important to get an extensive assessment since people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated may face serious issues. These could include financial issues (impulsive purchases) or marital issues, or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the doctor will often ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of those suffering from ADHD to those of individuals who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores are not an indication of ADHD however they play an important element in the process of evaluating.
It is also essential to check the person for any other medical conditions that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is crucial that a correct diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is given.
To be considered to have ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet several requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptomatic behavior in two or more environments such as school, home, and work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their everyday functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder was not caused by an illness of the mind or other co-occurring conditions.