ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct physical examination. They'll also look for conditions that may be similar to ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues.
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 may include getting your school records as well as contacting previous teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
You could be suffering from ADHD if you or someone you love has trouble keeping track of time at school, work, or at home. If they can't remember important dates or appointments, or aren't able to stay organized, then you might be suffering from ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine whether this is the case and, if so what the treatment options are.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and be apparent in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, for example). The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function, for example in class, creating close relationships, or working as part of a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone has trouble staying organized and paying attention at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The providers will also review your family history, and any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will look for health issues like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your doctor will want be aware of whether your symptoms began in your early years (technically prior to age 12). Your doctor will also want to know what your symptoms are doing to you right now and in the past. They'll also be looking to find out if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It is helpful to bring your own list of symptoms to the appointment, particularly if you have them written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider a complete picture of how your symptoms affect you. You can also bring documents like performance evaluations from work or old report cards from school. Having these records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it started recently. These records can help your provider determine if there are other issues like anxiety and depression that have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or lazyness. With the advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma associated with the disorder is slowly fading.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were inattentive and unable to focus. He also noted that these symptoms were more prevalent for boys than girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or the environment in which they lived. 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. The APA published its second edition in 1968, and included a variety of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of the 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 defines these as different types of presentations and states that they are able to change throughout a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), published guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as a whole acknowledged with healthcare support, funding and guidance adults who suffer from ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS recommendations on the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been developed by private organisations and charities. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to find the genes that cause it. This knowledge could help in the future to create more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to establish the diagnosis. They will collect information from the patient's past, including their family, education and employment history as well as social and personal. diagnosing adhd in adults might look over old school records or talk to coaches, teachers, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms, and how they affect daily 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 guidelines for diagnosing 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. A specific questionnaire adapted to the specific situation will be used by the doctor to ask the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ different scales of assessment that examine different 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 other criteria, including questions like "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" and "Do you find it hard to organize your time or tasks?"
They will perform an examination for physical health. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that may be creating the symptoms or making them worse, such as thyroid problem, hearing or vision issues. They will also inquire about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is assessed for ADHD at the age of adulthood the person will be asked to complete an assessment with a partner or a trusted friend. This allows for a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially beneficial for those with multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They also take a look at the family history of the patient and their mental health.
They could request copies of the student's reports or school records, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They may also request copies of previous tests for neuropsychology or psychological which include IQ tests and results from assessments of learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually is the person who conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic assessment. In addition, they could interview relatives, friends, teachers or employers as well. It is essential to have an extensive evaluation as people who are not treated for ADHD are susceptible to serious issues, including financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failure in college or other educational institutions.
During diagnosing adhd in adults , a doctor will typically ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compared the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD but are an important aspect of the assessment process.
It is crucial to evaluate the individual to determine if there are other conditions that could be similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs, and medical conditions like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a proper diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must show symptoms in more than one setting, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their everyday functioning. The symptoms must have appeared in childhood, and a psychiatric professional must confirm that the disorder wasn't caused by a mental illness or comorbid conditions.