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 ask you about your previous experiences and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines state that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed absent evidence of early signs. This means obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at work, school or at home, is having difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or is struggling to get organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. A health professional's assessment will help you determine if this is true and, if it is, what treatment options there are.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and be evident in at least two different settings (school and at home, for instance). The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for instance in class, developing close relationships or working in a group. It's important to realize that everyone has trouble staying on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will interview you and ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any past medical or psychological tests you may have had. They will look for health problems like thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to be aware of whether your symptoms began in your early years (technically at the age of 12). Your doctor will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting you at the moment and in the past. They'll want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially when they are written down. This will allow you to keep track of your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture about how they affect you. You may also bring other records, such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old school report cards. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or if it began recently. They can also help your provider rule out other problems, such as depression or anxiety which can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a flaw in character or lazyness. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatments more children are being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding this disorder is slowly disappearing.
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 unfocused or incapable of concentrating. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent for boys than girls and were not related to the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been considered to be the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's mental health guideline, released in 1952, did not include ADHD. But in 1955, the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that became the preferred treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA released its second edition which included a variety of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was published. 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 can change over time.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first time that the UK as an entire recognized adults suffering from ADHD and provided them with financial aid, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Private and non-profit organizations have also issued guidance. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have begun to find the genes responsible. This information could be helpful in the near future in developing more targeted and better treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts an extensive assessment to establish an assessment and diagnose. They will collect information from the patient's past including their family, education and employment history, as well as their social history. They may review the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches, and other professionals that know the person. adhd adults diagnosis will ask questions about the symptoms and how they affect daily life. They will also consider how symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, defines 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. The doctor will usually talk to the person regarding their symptoms with a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific situation. They may also employ different ratings scales to assess different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults. Other ratings will be based on other criteria, such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" Do you have trouble organizing your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will check to see whether there are any medical conditions that might be causing or aggravating the symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. They will also inquire with the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if these could be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to complete an assessment with their partner or close friend. This allows for a deeper understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is especially beneficial for people who have multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. They often co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to discern the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions regarding how the symptoms impact their lives. They also examine the family history of the patient and mental health.
They could request a copy of the student's report cards or school records, specifically those from kindergarten through high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, including results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will conduct the interview portion in an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. In addition, they might interview friends, family members and teachers as well. It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation because people who are not treated for ADHD can experience serious problems, including financial issues (impulsive spending) or marital issues, as well as failing in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the doctor may ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior ratings scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of individuals without the disorder. These scores do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but are an important aspect of the assessment process.
It is crucial to assess the individual to determine if they have other conditions that could be similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs, as well as medical illnesses such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is crucial that a correct diagnosis is made and the right treatment is offered.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the child or adult must meet a number of requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show symptoms in two or more settings, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their daily functioning. Generally, the symptoms must have started in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.