ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD require a thorough evaluation by a specialist 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 may resemble ADHD, such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood habits as the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This means getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at school, work or at home, and has difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or is struggling to get organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation can help you determine if this is the case and if so what your treatment options are.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two different environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. They should also seriously interfere with your ability to function in certain ways, such as performing well in classes, forming close relationships, or functioning as a member of a team. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles to stay focused and organized at times, but these issues are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
To make a diagnosis, your physician will conduct an interview and ask you questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. Your doctor will also go over your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will be looking for health issues like thyroid issues and seizure disorders, that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you whether you've had symptoms during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). Your provider will also be interested in knowing how your symptoms affect you right now and 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 help you remember them and give your provider an accurate description of how your symptoms impact you. You may also bring other records like performance evaluations from work or old school report cards. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD is a recent issue or has been present for a long period of time. These records can help your doctor determine if there are other issues including depression and anxiety that share similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in the character of a person. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with this disorder is fading.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations regarding children who were unfocused or incapable of concentrating. He also observed that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls and were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report is often associated as the beginning of the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant medications which were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition, which included a list of mental health issues. It also included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still called hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
After the publication of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was increased acceptance and understanding 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 presenting symptoms, not distinct types, and states that they may change over a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), published guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as an entire recognized adults suffering from ADHD, providing them with financial aid, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS guidelines on the condition in Scotland. Other guidelines have been created by private companies and charities. 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 knowledge could help in the future to create more targeted and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to determine the severity of the condition. They will collect information about the person's past, including their family, education and employment history, as well as their social history. They will review the school records from the past and 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 the symptoms have changed over time.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, lays out the criteria for diagnosing 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 usually interview the person regarding their symptoms with an assessment that is adapted to the specific circumstance. They also employ various rating scales to look at various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a number of other criteria. They include questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting down?" and "Do you have difficulty to organize your activities or work?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will look to determine if there are any medical problems which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing issues. They will also ask about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to complete an assessment with their partner or close friend. This will help to gain the personal insights that checklists and questionnaires are not able to provide. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from 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 questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They also look into the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They can request a copy of the student's report card or school records, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker typically conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic assessment. In addition, they could interview friends, family members and teachers as well. It is crucial to conduct thorough evaluations because those who are not treated for ADHD can experience serious problems, including financial issues (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in 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 and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD, but they are an important element in the process of evaluating.
It is also essential to evaluate the individual for any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to certain treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to make a correct diagnosis and be treated accordingly.
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 display symptomatic behavior in two or more environments such as school, home, and work, and the symptoms must be affecting their everyday functioning. Generally, the symptoms must begin in the early years of childhood. adult diagnosis of adhd must determine that the disorder isn't caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.