ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD need a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is familiar with the disorder. They'll likely ask questions about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also rule out conditions which could be a cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid issues.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed without evidence of early signs. This could mean finding your school records and contacting previous teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
You could have ADHD If you or someone you know is having trouble keeping up at work, school or home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to stay organized and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. A visit to a health care provider will help you determine whether this is the case and, if it is the case, what treatment options are available.
The symptoms have to 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. They must also be a major obstacle in your ability to function in some ways, such as performing well in class, developing close bonds, or working in teams. It's crucial to understand that everyone has difficulty staying on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
To determine a diagnosis, your provider will conduct an interview and ask questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The providers will also look at your family history, and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will search for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, that can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms affect you now and how they have 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, particularly if they are written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your physician a an accurate description of how your symptoms impact you. You can also bring documents such as performance evaluations from your job or old school report cards. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long time. These records can help your doctor to rule out other conditions including depression and anxiety, which have similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. However, with the advancement of diagnosis and treatment, more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma associated with 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 inattentive and unfocused. He also observed that these symptoms were more prevalent for boys than girls and were unrelated to the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited as the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first version of the psychiatric manual, published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA), did not include ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition, which included a list of mental health issues. It included symptoms of ADHD, although they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was published. adhd in adults undiagnosed 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 defines these as presentations rather than distinct types and states that they can change throughout a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time the UK as a whole acknowledged with healthcare support and guidance for adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidelines on ADHD among children. These two documents are the sole official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been developed by charities and private organizations. In recent times there has been an increase in interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to identify the genes that cause it. This information could be helpful in the future to create more targeted and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if they have a diagnosis. Whether they are a physician who specializes in mental health (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or a doctor who is also trained in child and young health (a paediatrician), they will want to gather details about the patient's life that includes the family, educational, work and social histories. They will go through old school records and may interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms and how they affect life. They will also look at how the symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, outlines the criteria for determining ADHD in both 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. The specialist will typically interview the person regarding their symptoms by using the appropriate questionnaire to the specific situation. They also employ various rating scales to look at different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a number of other criteria. They also include questions like "Do you find it difficult to sitting down?" Do you struggle with organizing your activities or work?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look for medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such as thyroid problem, hearing or vision issues. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits to determine if these could be contributing to the symptoms.
Anyone who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to complete a questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This will help to gain personal insight that checklists and questionnaires are in no way able to provide. This is especially beneficial for people who have co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. These often co-occur along with ADHD and can make it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions regarding how their symptoms affect their lives. They also take a look at the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They could request copies of the student's report cards or school records, specifically those from kindergarten through high school. They can 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 will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They might also interview family members, friends as well as teachers or employers. It is crucial to have a an accurate assessment as people who suffer from ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. This includes financial issues (impulsive purchases) and marital problems or failure at college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient to complete standardized behavioral ratings scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those of those without the disorder. These scores do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important part of the evaluation process.
It is crucial to examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders, and addiction to drugs, and also medical ailments like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to make a correct diagnosis and to get the appropriate treatment.
A person of any age must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two settings like home, school, and work. The symptoms must significantly interfere with the functioning of their lives. The symptoms must first be noticed in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must verify that the disorder is not caused by an illness of the mind or other comorbid conditions.