ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD need a thorough evaluation from a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD like learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid issues.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults cannot be diagnosed unless there is evidence of childhood symptoms. This may include finding your school records and getting in touch with former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Symptoms
You could be suffering from ADHD If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at work, school or at home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to keep track of important dates or appointments, then you might be suffering from ADHD. An evaluation by your health professional will help you determine whether this is the case, and in the event that it is the case, what treatments are available.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function for example, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a group. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles with keeping track of their time and staying well-organized at times, but these problems are more severe for those with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior, and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also review your family history, as well as any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will look for health issues such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will ask if you have ever had symptoms in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms affect you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
It's helpful to bring your own list of symptoms to the appointment, particularly when you've written them down. This will help you remember them and give your physician a a complete picture of how your symptoms impact you. You may also bring old records such as old reports or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD is a recent issue or has been present for a long period of time. They can also assist your doctor to identify other conditions, such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a flaw in character or lazyness. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatments increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed, and the stigma associated with this disorder is slowly disappearing.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations about children who were unable to pay attention or who were unable to focus. He also noted that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and that they were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report has been credited with being the first step towards official recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric manual, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA), did not include ADHD. But in 1955 the US FDA approved stimulant drugs that became the preferred treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition that included a variety of mental health issues. The second edition of the APA's manual listed a number of mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
After the publication of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was a greater awareness 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 considers these as presentations, rather than distinct types, and says that they may change over the course of a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. 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 released advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Private organisations 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 identify the genes responsible for it. This information could be helpful in the future to develop more targeted and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts an extensive assessment to make a diagnosis. They collect information from the past of the patient as well as their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They might look over old school records or talk to coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they impact life. They will also consider how symptoms have changed with time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria for diagnosing 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 typically interview the person about their symptoms with an assessment that is adapted to the specific circumstance. They will also use different ratings scales to assess different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults. Other ratings will be based on different factors, including questions such as "Do you find it difficult sitting still?" Do you struggle to organize your activities or work?
how to diagnosis adhd will conduct a physical examination. They will look to determine whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing or making the symptoms worse like thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing issues. They will also inquire with the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could contribute to symptoms.
Someone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult will likely be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or another close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is particularly beneficial for people who have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD which makes it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions about how the symptoms affect their lives. They also take a look at a patient's family history and their mental health.
They typically ask the person to bring in report cards and school records to review, 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.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker conducts the interview portion of an evaluation of the severity of adhd. They may also interview family members, friends, teachers, or employers. It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation because people who suffer from untreated ADHD may have serious issues, including financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of those suffering from ADHD to those of individuals without the disorder. These scores do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is also important to examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that might have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders and substance abuse as well as medical illnesses like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than others to respond to certain treatments. It is therefore important to establish a proper diagnosis and to receive the right treatment.
To be considered to have ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in at least two different settings like school, home, or work. The symptoms must severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. Generally speaking, the symptoms should have started in childhood, and a psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder isn't caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.