ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough examination by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that may be similar to ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid disorders.
The doctor will also inquire about your childhood habits because the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This includes getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Symptoms
You could have ADHD if you or someone you know has trouble keeping track of time at work, school or at home. If they can't remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to keep track of important dates or appointments it is possible that they are suffering from ADHD. A health care professional's assessment can help you determine if this is the case, and, if it is, what treatment options there are.
diagnosed with adhd have to be present in at least two different environments (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months in order to be able to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses. The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function, for example, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a group. It's crucial to understand that everyone struggles to stay focused and organized at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. The providers will also review your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will look for health issues such as thyroid disorders and seizures, which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to be aware of whether your symptoms began in your early years (technically, before age 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms affect you now and how they've affected you in the past. They'll want to know if you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they are written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider a complete picture of the way your symptoms affect you. You may also bring older records like old reports or performance evaluations. Having these records can help your provider determine if ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it was diagnosed in recent times. They can also help your provider rule out other problems such as depression or anxiety, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a personality flaw or laziness. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatments, more children are being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding the disorder is fading away.
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. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls and that they were not related to the quality of education or home environments. Still's report has been credited with being the first the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, didn't include ADHD. But in 1955, the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA released its second edition that included a list of mental health issues. The second edition of the manual listed a number of mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the 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 views these as presentations, not distinct types and states that they may change over the course of a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as a whole officially recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with healthcare, funding, support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations on the condition. Other guidance has been produced by charities and private organizations. In recent years there has been a rise in interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have begun to discover the genes responsible. This information could be helpful in the near future in developing more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose the condition. They collect information from the past of the patient, including their family, education 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 questions about the symptoms, and how they impact life. They will also look at 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 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 questionnaire tailored to the particular situation will be utilized by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They also employ various ratings scales to assess various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a variety of other criteria and include questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting down?" and "Do you find it hard to manage your work or activities?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will determine if there are any medical conditions which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing issues. They will also inquire about the person's diet 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 complete the questionnaire with their partner or a close friend. This allows for a deeper understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD, making it difficult to recognize the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series questions about the symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. adhd diagnosing review the patient's mental health and family history.
They can request an original copy of the student's report card or school records, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They might also request copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, including results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic assessment. They may also interview family members, friends and teachers as well as employers. It is important to get an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who are not treated can have serious problems. These could include financial issues (impulsive purchases) or marital issues, or failure at college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, a doctor will usually request that the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of those suffering from ADHD to those of people who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD but they play an important part in the process of evaluating.
It is also crucial to examine the patient for other ailments that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, so it is important that a correct diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet a number of criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show symptoms in more than one setting, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their daily functioning. Generally speaking, the symptoms should be present since childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder isn't caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.