ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD require a thorough evaluation from a professional who is familiar with the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD, such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include finding your school records and contact with your former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up with school, work, or home, has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or is unable to get organized, you may have ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine if this is true and, if so, what treatment options there are.
To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be apparent in at least two different settings (school and home, for instance). The symptoms must also be impacting your ability to perform for instance, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a team. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles to stay on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will conduct an interview and ask you questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history as well as any previous psychological or medical tests you may have taken. They will be looking for health issues, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, which could cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
how is adhd diagnosed in adults will want to know if your symptoms started in your early years (technically prior to age 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms impact you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It's helpful to bring a list of symptoms to the appointment, especially if you have them written down. This will help you remember your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture about how they impact you. You may also bring in older records like old reports or performance evaluations. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long period of time. They can also help your doctor determine if you have other issues like depression or anxiety which can have the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma around this disorder is slowly disappearing.
In 1902 Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations about children who were unable to pay attention or unable to concentrate. He also noted that the symptoms were more common in boys than girls, and that they were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report has been credited as the first step towards official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychotherapy guideline, published in 1952, did not include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant drugs which were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition which included a list of mental health disorders. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still called hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
In 1994 the fourth edition of psychiatric book was released. This led to greater 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 recognizes these as manifestations rather than distinct types and states that they are able to change throughout a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first time that the UK as a whole officially recognized adults with ADHD and provided them with funding, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS guidelines on the condition in Scotland. Private and non-profit organizations have also developed guidelines. In recent times, there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to identify the genes responsible for it. This information can help create better targeted, more effective treatments in the near future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to make the diagnosis. Whether they are a physician who specializes in mental health (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or an individual doctor who is trained in child and young health (a paediatrician), they will want to gather information about the person's history, including education, family, and social history. They will look over old school records and interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms, and how they affect life. They will also consider how the symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, lays out 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. A questionnaire tailored to the situation will be utilized by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. They also employ various rating scales to look at various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults while others will be based on different criteria, including questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" and "Do you have difficulty to organize your work or activities?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look to determine if there are any medical problems that might be causing or aggravating the symptoms for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing problems. They will also ask about the person's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is being evaluated for ADHD in adulthood the person will be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or a trusted friend. This helps to uncover personal insight that questionnaires and checklists are in no way able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for people with comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, which often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to recognize.
Psychological Evaluation
A health professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They also look over the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They could request a copy of the student's report cards or school records, specifically those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of previous tests for neuropsychology or psychological such as IQ tests and results from assessments of learning disabilities.
Typically an audiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker is the person who conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. They might also interview family members, friends and teachers as well as employers. It is essential to obtain an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. This includes financial problems (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, a doctor will often ask the patient to complete the standard behavior rating scales developed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people without the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they play an important element in the assessment process.
It is also essential to examine the patient for other conditions that could be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance abuse and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is important to make sure that a valid diagnosis is made and that the right treatment is offered.
A person of any age must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must display symptomatic behavior in at least two different settings like home, school, and work. The symptoms must also substantially affect the way they live of their lives. Generally speaking, the symptoms should begin in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbidity.