ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD require a thorough assessment by a doctor who is well-versed in the disorder. They'll likely ask questions about your history and do an examination of your body. They'll also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behaviors, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This includes obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Symptoms
You may have ADHD in the event that you or someone you know is struggling to keep up at school, work, or home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments or cannot keep their schedules in order it is possible that they are suffering from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation can help you determine if this is the case and, if it is what your treatment options are.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different environments (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months to be able to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function for instance in class, forming close relationships or in working in a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone has difficulty staying focused and organized at times, but these problems are more severe with ADHD.
In order to make a diagnosis, your physician will interview you and ask questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you may have been through. They will look for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, which can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire whether you've had symptoms in childhood (technically before age 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they've affected you in the past. They'll want to know if 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 provider an accurate picture of the way your symptoms affect you. You may also bring old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it began just recently. They can also help your provider identify other conditions, such as anxiety or depression which can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or laziness. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatments more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma surrounding this disorder is slowly disappearing.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were unfocused and incapable of focusing. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more common for boys than girls and were not related the quality of education or home environments. Still's report has been credited as the beginning of official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the APA's psychotherapy guideline, published in 1952, didn't include ADHD. But in adhd undiagnosed in adults approved stimulant drugs that was the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, and listed a number of mental health conditions. The second edition of the APA's manual included a variety of mental health issues, 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 considers these to be presentations 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 a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD, providing them with healthcare, funding, assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Private organizations and charities have also produced guidance. In recent times, there has been a rising interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to identify the genes that cause it. This knowledge may help to develop better targeted, more effective treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
An expert in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if they have the diagnosis. They collect information about the person's past as well as their family, education and employment history, as well as their social history. They may review the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also examine how the symptoms have changed over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria for diagnosing 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 doctor to ask 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 will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults, while others will be based on other factors, including questions such as "Do you find it difficult to sit still?" Do you struggle to organize your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical examination. They will look to determine whether there are any medical issues that might be causing or aggravating the symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing problems. They will also ask the person about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these could be contributing to symptoms.
Anyone who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or another close friend. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
A health professional who is evaluating a child's ADHD will ask them a series of questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They also take a look at the history of the patient's family and their mental health.
They can request copies of the student's report cards or school records, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, including results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
Typically, a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker is the person who conducts the interview part of an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. They may also interview friends, family members, teachers, or employers. It is essential to obtain an accurate assessment as people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. These could include financial problems (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, a doctor might ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior ratings scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of individuals with ADHD to those of people without the disorder. These ratings are not a diagnosis of ADHD but are an important element of the evaluation process.
It is crucial to evaluate the individual to determine if there are other conditions that might exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse and also medical ailments like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, so it is essential that a correct diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is given.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must show symptoms in two or more settings like school, home and work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their everyday functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must verify that the disorder wasn't caused by mental illness or other concomitant conditions.