ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD need a thorough evaluation from a professional who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your history and perform a physical exam. They'll also rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid issues.
killer deal will ask you about your childhood behaviors, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults cannot be diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This could mean obtaining your school records and contacting previous teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you love struggles to keep up at work, school or at home, and has trouble remembering important dates or appointments, or is struggling to organize, you may have ADHD. A health care professional's assessment can help you determine whether this is true and, if it is what the treatment options are.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be apparent in at least two settings (school and at home, for example). The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function for example, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone has trouble staying focused and organized at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
In order to make a diagnosis, your provider will interview you and ask you questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The providers will also look at your family history, as well as any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will be looking for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders that can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want determine if your symptoms began in childhood (technically at the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms affect you now and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also want to know if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It's helpful to bring a list of symptoms to the appointment, especially if you've written them down. This will aid in remembering them and give your physician a a complete picture of how your symptoms impact you. You may also bring in old records such as old reports or performance evaluations. Having these records can help your provider determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your whole life or only 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 was thought to be a character flaw or laziness. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatment, more children are being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding this disorder is dissolving.
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 prevalent for boys than girls and were not related to the quality of education or home environments. Still's report is often associated with the start of formal recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric handbook, published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved the use of a stimulant drug, which became the preferred treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968. It included a variety of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD, although they were still called hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of psychiatric book was released. This led to a 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 considers these as presentations, rather than distinct types and states that they could change over the course of a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. It was the first time that the UK as a whole recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with financial aid, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS recommendations regarding 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 find the genes responsible for it. This information can help develop better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the condition. They collect information from the past of the patient, including their family, education, employment and social history. They may review old school records or talk to coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they affect life. They will also examine how 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 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. The specialist will usually interview the person about their symptoms with a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific circumstance. They also employ various rating scales to look at various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built 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 find it difficult to sitting still?" and "Do you find it hard to manage your work or activities?"
They will conduct an examination for physical health. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms or making them worse, like thyroid problem, vision or hearing issues. They will also inquire about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they might be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is assessed for ADHD at the age of adulthood, they will be asked to complete a questionnaire together with their partner or a trusted friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires can't 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 harder to spot.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask them a series of questions on how the symptoms affect their lives. They also go over a patient's mental health and family history.
They typically ask the person to bring in their report cards and school records to review, specifically those from kindergarten through high school. They may also request copies of prior psychological or neuropsychological tests, including IQ tests and results from assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker usually will conduct the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They might also interview family members, friends, teachers, or employers. It is important to have an extensive evaluation as people with untreated ADHD can experience serious problems, including financial issues (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failing in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, a doctor may ask the patient complete standardized behavioral ratings scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings are not a diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is crucial to evaluate the individual to determine if there are other conditions that could have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse, as well as medical illnesses such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than others to respond to specific treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and receive the right treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the child or adult must meet a number of criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptomatic behavior in at least two environments that include school, home, or work. The symptoms must substantially affect the way they live of their lives. Generally, the symptoms must be present since childhood, and a psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder isn't caused by a mental illness or comorbid condition.