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 in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your past and perform an examination of your body. They'll also rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults cannot be diagnosed unless there is evidence of early signs. This includes finding school records and getting in touch with former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
You could have ADHD If you or someone you know is having trouble keeping up at school, work or at home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments, or cannot keep their schedules in order, then you might be suffering from ADHD. An evaluation by your health professional can help you determine whether this is the case, and, if it is the case, what treatment options are available.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and be noticeable in at least two different settings (school and at home, for example). The symptoms must also be impacting your ability to perform, for example, in class, in developing close relationships or working in a group. It's crucial to understand that everyone struggles to stay on track and paying attention at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. undiagnosed adhd in adults will also look over your family history and any past medical or psychological tests you may have been through. They will search for health issues like thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will ask whether you've had symptoms in your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). Your doctor will also be interested in knowing what your symptoms are doing to you at the moment and in the past. They'll want to know if you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially if they are written down. This will allow you to keep track of your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture of how they affect you. You may also bring other records, such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old report cards from school. Having these documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your whole life or only started just recently. These documents can help your doctor determine if there are other issues, such as anxiety and depression, which have similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or lazyness. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma associated with the disorder is slowly fading.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He shared his observations of children who were inattentive and unfocused. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls, and that they were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still' undiagnosed adhd in adults is often associated with the first formal recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric manual released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA), did not include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved the use of a stimulant drug, which was the most popular treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA released its second edition that included a list of mental health conditions. It included symptoms of ADHD however they were still called hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was published. This led to a 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 over the course of a person's life.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as a whole formally recognised with healthcare support as well as guidance and funding for adults who had ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS guidelines on the condition in Scotland. Private and non-profit organizations have also developed guidelines. In recent times there has been an increase in interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to find the genes that cause it. This knowledge will help in the near future in developing more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
An expert in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to establish a diagnosis. It doesn't matter if they are a physician who specializes in mental health (such as psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor who is also trained in child and young health (a paediatrician) They will need to gather a variety of details about the person's past, including education, family, and social histories. They will go through old school records and may interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also look at how the symptoms have changed over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the guidelines 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. The doctor will usually talk to the patient about their symptoms by using an assessment that is adapted to the specific situation. They may also employ various rating scales that look at different aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be based on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults, while others will be based on different criteria, such as "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" and "Do you find it hard to manage your time or tasks?"
They will conduct an examination for physical health. They will look to determine whether there are any medical issues that might be causing or aggravating the symptoms for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing issues. They will also inquire about the individual's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to fill out the questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This will help to gain the personal insights that checklists and questionnaires are not able to provide. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression which are often associated with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to identify.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions about how the symptoms affect their lives. They also look over the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They often ask the person to bring in report cards and school records to review, specifically those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. In addition, they might interview relatives, friends and teachers as well. It is crucial to have a an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who aren't treated may face serious issues. This includes financial problems (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure at college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These ratings are not a diagnosis of ADHD but they play an important aspect of the assessment process.
It is important to also evaluate the individual to determine if they have other conditions that could be similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders and substance abuse and also medical ailments such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than others to respond to certain treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a proper diagnosis and be treated accordingly.
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 should also substantially affect the way they live of their lives. Generally speaking, the symptoms should have started in the early years of life, and a psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbid condition.