ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD need a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your previous experiences and conduct physical examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid disorders.
The doctor will also inquire about your childhood behavior, since the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include finding school records and getting in touch with former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love is struggling to keep up at school, work or at home, is having difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or is struggling to organize or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A health professional's assessment will help you determine if this is true and, if so, what treatment options there are.
The symptoms have to be present in at least two settings (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months in order to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses. The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function for instance, in class, in developing close relationships or working as part of a team. It is important to recognize that everyone has trouble staying on track and paying attention at times, but these issues are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will conduct an interview and ask questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will look for health issues like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your provider will ask if you have ever had symptoms in childhood (technically before age 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll also be looking to find out if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It's a good idea to bring a list of symptoms to your appointment, particularly when you've written them down. This will help you remember the symptoms and provide your doctor with a an accurate description of the way your symptoms affect you. You can also bring records, such as performance evaluations from work or old school report cards. Having these documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or was diagnosed just recently. These records can help your provider determine if there are other issues, such as anxiety and depression that share similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in the character of a person. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatments more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma around the disorder is fading away.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were unable to pay attention or unable to concentrate. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more common for boys than girls and that they were not related to the home environment or intelligence. Still's report is often associated with the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of the psychiatric manual, published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968. It included a variety of mental health issues. The second edition of the manual listed a number of mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
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 recognizes these as presentations rather than distinct types and states that they are able to change throughout a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as a whole formally acknowledged with healthcare support and guidance for adults with ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidance on ADHD in children. diagnosis for adhd are the sole official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Private and non-profit organizations have also developed guidelines. In recent years, there has been a rising interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to find the genes that cause it. This information could help develop better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts an extensive assessment to establish a diagnosis. They will collect information from the patient's past, including their family, educational, employment and social history. They will look over old school records and may 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 examine how symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, lays out 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 specific questionnaire adapted to the specific situation will be utilized by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ different rating scales to evaluate different aspects 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 number of other criteria and include questions like "Do you find it difficult to sitting still?" Do you have trouble organizing your time or activities?
They will perform a physical exam. They will check to see if there are any medical conditions which could be responsible for aggravating the symptoms for example, thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing problems. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits to determine if these may be contributing to symptoms.
If a person is evaluated for ADHD in adulthood the person will be asked to complete an assessment with a partner or a trusted friend. This will help to gain personal insights that questionnaires and checklists unable to provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. These often co-occur along with ADHD which makes it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They also look into the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They could request an original copy of the student's report cards or school records, specifically those from kindergarten to high school. They may request copies of any previous tests for neuropsychology or psychological which include IQ tests and results from assessments of learning disabilities.
Typically an audiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will conduct the interview portion of an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. In addition, they might interview relatives, friends and teachers, as well. It is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation because people who suffer from untreated ADHD may have serious issues, including financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider might ask the patient to complete standardized behavioral ratings scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD, but they are an important aspect of the process of evaluating.
It is also important to evaluate the individual for any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. Those conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, so it is important that a correct diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is given.
To be considered to have ADHD, a child or an adult must meet the requirements in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show symptomatic behavior in two or more settings such as school, home, or at work, and their symptoms must significantly interfere with their everyday functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood, and a psychiatric professional must confirm that the disorder wasn't caused by an illness of the mind or other comorbid conditions.