ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct physical examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD, such as learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood behavior as the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This includes getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
You may have ADHD in the event that you or someone you know has trouble keeping track of time at work, school or home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments, or cannot keep their schedules in order and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. A health care professional's assessment can help you determine if this is the case and, if so what your treatment options are.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be apparent in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, as an example). They must also be a major obstacle with your ability to function in some ways, such as performing well in school, developing close relationships, or functioning in teams. It is important to recognize that everyone has trouble staying on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
To make an assessment, your doctor will interview you and ask you questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The doctor will also examine your family history, as well as any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will also look for health issues like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your provider will want to be aware of whether your symptoms began in childhood (technically at the age of 12). Your provider will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting you now and in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they're written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider an accurate picture of the way your symptoms affect you. You may also bring in older records like old reports or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD is a new issue or has been present for a long time. They can also help your provider rule out other problems such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With the advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma associated with this disorder is diminishing.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations of children who were irritable and unable to focus. read here noted that these signs were more prevalent in boys than girls and were not related to intelligence or the environment in which they lived. Still's report has been considered to be the first step towards formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the psychiatric manual published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA published its second edition, which included a list of mental health conditions. The second edition of the manual listed several mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
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 views these as presentations, rather than distinct types, and says that they may change over the course of a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as a whole acknowledged with healthcare support, funding and guidance adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD among children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations on the condition. Private organizations and charities have also developed guidelines. In recent times there has been an increase in interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to discover the genes that cause it. This information could help create better targeted, more effective treatments in the near future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if they have the diagnosis. They will collect information from the past of the patient including their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They will review the school records from the past and interview coaches, teachers, and other professionals who know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they interfere with 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 for determining 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 specialist will usually interview the patient about their symptoms with a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific situation. They may also employ different rating scales to look at different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a variety of other criteria. They include questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sitting still?" and "Do you struggle to manage your activities or work?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will determine if there are any medical problems that might be causing or making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. 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 being evaluated for ADHD at the age of adulthood the person will be asked to fill out an assessment with a partner or a close family member. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is particularly beneficial for those with multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. They often co-occur with ADHD and can make it difficult to discern the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions regarding how the symptoms affect their lives. They also look over the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They can request a copy of the student's reports or school records, specifically those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, including results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually will conduct the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They may also interview friends, family members as well as teachers or employers. It is essential to obtain an extensive assessment since people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. These could include financial issues (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will often ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior rating scales designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without the disorder. These ratings are not the diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important element of the assessment process.
It is crucial to assess the individual to determine if they have other conditions that could have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs, and also medical ailments such as thyroid diseases or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore crucial to make a correct diagnosis and to be treated accordingly.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet several requirements in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two different settings, such as home, school, and work. The symptoms must also severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have appeared in childhood, and a psychiatrist must verify that the disorder is not caused by mental illness or other comorbid conditions.