ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a specialist in the disorder. They'll likely ask questions about your history and do a physical exam. They will also look for conditions that could be a cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood habits, since current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This means obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up at work, school, or home, has difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or can't seem to stay organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine if this is the case, and, if so, what treatment options there are.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be noticeable in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, for instance). They must also be a major obstacle with your ability to function in certain ways, like doing well in class, developing close bonds, or working as a member of a team. It is important to recognize that everyone has difficulty staying organized and paying attention at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
In order to make a diagnosis, your physician will conduct an interview and ask questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. adhd adult diagnosis will also look at your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will also look for health issues, like thyroid disorders or seizures, which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms in childhood (technically before age 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms affect you now and how they've affected you 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, especially if they are written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your physician a a complete picture of how your symptoms affect you. You may also bring other records like performance evaluations from work or old school report cards. Having these records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your whole life or only started just recently. They can also help your doctor identify other conditions like depression or anxiety which can have the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With advances in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma surrounding the disorder is slowly fading.
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 inattentive and incapable of focusing. 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 the formal recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric handbook, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. But in 1955, the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that became the preferred treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA published its second edition that listed a number of mental health conditions. The second edition of the APA's manual listed several 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 defines these as manifestations rather than distinct types and says that they may 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 with ADHD, providing them with healthcare, funding, assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also released guidance on ADHD in children. Suggested Looking at are the sole official NHS guidelines on the condition in Scotland. Other guidelines have been created by private organisations and charities. In recent times there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to find the genes responsible for it. This information could be helpful in the near future in developing more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the problem. They collect data from the past of the patient, including their family, educational and employment history, as well as their social history. They might review old school records or interview coaches, teachers, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they affect daily 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, 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. 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 a variety of rating scales which examine various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are based on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a number of other criteria. They include questions like "Do you find it difficult to sitting down?" Do you have trouble organizing your work or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will check for any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to become worse, like thyroid problem, hearing or vision problems. They will also ask the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to symptoms.
If a person is assessed for ADHD in adulthood and is being evaluated for ADHD, they will be asked to fill out an assessment with a partner or a trusted friend. This will help to gain personal insights that questionnaires and checklists are not able to provide. This is especially beneficial for people with comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression, which often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to recognize.
Psychological Evaluation
A health professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They also examine the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They often request that the person bring in their report cards and school records to review, specifically those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker typically will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. Additionally, they may interview friends, family members and teachers, as well. It is essential to obtain an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. These include financial issues (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will usually request that the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares behaviors of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is also important to evaluate the individual for other conditions that could have similar symptoms to ADHD like mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is essential to make sure that a valid diagnosis is made and that the correct treatment is given.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet several criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show symptoms in two or more environments, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their daily functioning. The symptoms must first be noticed in childhood and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder wasn't caused by mental illness or other comorbid conditions.