ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They'll likely ask about your history and do an examination. They'll also rule out any conditions that may resemble ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will also inquire about your childhood habits as current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could include getting school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
If you or a loved one struggles to keep up with school, work or at home, is having difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or can't seem to get organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. Getting an evaluation by your health professional will help you determine if this is the case and in the event that it is the case, what treatment options are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be evident in at least two settings (school and home, for example). The symptoms should also be impacting your ability to perform, for example, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone struggles to stay on track and paying attention at times, but these problems are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has affected your life. Providers will also review your family history as well as any past medical or psychological tests you've had. They will be looking for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms started in your childhood (technically at the age of 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms impact 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.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly when they are written down. This will aid in remembering the symptoms and provide your doctor with a a complete picture of how your symptoms impact you. You can also bring records, such as performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from school. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your whole life or only was diagnosed just recently. They can also help your provider determine if you have other issues like anxiety or depression, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With advances in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with the disorder is slowly fading.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations of children who were unfocused and unable to focus. He also noted that the symptoms were more common in boys than girls, and that they were not related to the quality of education or home environments. Still's report has been credited as the first step towards official recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of APA's mental health guideline, released in 1952, did not mention ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant medications which were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA published its second edition that included a list of mental health issues. It also included symptoms of ADHD, although they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of psychiatric book was published. 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 as presentations, rather than distinct types, and says that they could change over the course of a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first time that the UK as a whole officially recognized adults with ADHD and provided them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidance on ADHD among children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations on the condition. Private and non-profit organizations have also produced guidance. In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have started to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This information could help create better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the problem. They will collect information about the person's past, including their family, educational and employment history as well as social and personal. They may review the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they interfere with 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 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 questionnaire tailored to the specific situation will be used by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. adhd diagnose may also employ a variety of rating scales which examine various aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a number of other criteria. They also include questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do you struggle with organizing your activities or work?
They will conduct an examination of the body. They will look to determine whether there are any medical issues that might be causing or making the symptoms worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. They will also inquire about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they might be contributing to the symptoms.
If a person is being assessed for ADHD in adulthood, they will be asked to complete the questionnaire with their partner or a trusted friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires cannot provide. This is particularly beneficial for people who have co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. These are often associated with ADHD which makes it difficult to identify the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask them a series of questions about how the symptoms impact their lives. They also review the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They usually ask people to bring in their report cards and school records to review, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of prior psychological or neuropsychological tests, including IQ tests and results from assessments of learning disabilities.
Typically an audiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or a social worker conducts the interview portion of an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. In addition, they could interview friends, family members and teachers as well. It is important to have thorough evaluations because those who suffer from untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues such as financial problems (impulsive spending) or marital issues, as well as failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the doctor may ask the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings are not a diagnosis of ADHD but they are an important element of the assessment process.
It is important to also examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that might be similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs, and also medical ailments such as 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 get the appropriate treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the child or adult must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must exhibit symptoms in two or more settings, like home, school or at work, and their symptoms must be affecting their daily functioning. Generally, the symptoms must begin in the early years of childhood. A psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.