ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They'll likely ask about your history and do an examination. They'll also rule out conditions which may be similar to ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid disorders.
The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed unless there is evidence of early signs. This could include finding your school records and contact with your former teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love struggles to keep up with school, work, or home, has difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or can't seem to stay organized or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation can help you determine whether this is the case and, if it is what the treatment options are.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings (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, like doing well in school, developing close relationships, or functioning in teams. 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 and any past medical or psychological tests you may have had. They will be looking for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want know if your symptoms started in childhood (technically prior to age 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms affect you now and how they've affected you 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're written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your physician a an accurate picture of how your symptoms affect you. You may also bring other records, such as performance evaluations from your job or old report cards from school. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long period of time. They can also help your doctor identify other conditions such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit the same symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a character flaw or a sign of laziness. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment, more children are diagnosed and the stigma surrounding the disorder is slowly fading.
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 unable to pay attention or unable to concentrate. He also noted that these symptoms were more common in boys than in girls and were not related to intelligence or home environment. The report is often credited with the first official recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of the psychiatric manual, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not include ADHD. However, in 1955 the US FDA approved the use of a stimulant drug, which became the preferred treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968. It listed a number of mental health conditions. It included the symptoms of ADHD, although they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
In 1994, the fourth edition of the 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 recognizes these as different types of presentations and says that they may change over the course of a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults. It was the first time that the UK as a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD and provided 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 guidelines on the condition. Other guidelines have been created by charities and private organizations. In recent times there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to discover the genes responsible for it. This knowledge will help in the near future in developing more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to determine the severity of the condition. They collect information from the past of the patient including their family, educational, employment and social history. They will review old school records and interview coaches, teachers, and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they interfere with life. They will also look at how symptoms have changed over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria to diagnose 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 used by the doctor to ask the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ various rating scales that examine different aspects of the ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults, while others will be based on other criteria, including questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do you struggle to organize your work or activities?
They will conduct a physical examination. They will check for any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to become worse, like thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also inquire with the person about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these may contribute to symptoms.
A person who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult will likely be asked to fill out a questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. They often co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions on how the symptoms affect their daily lives. They also take a look at the family history of the patient and their mental health.
They could request an original copy of the student's report card or school records, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They may also request copies of prior tests for neuropsychology or psychological such as IQ tests and results from learning disabilities assessments.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker usually conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic assessment. In addition, they could interview friends, family members and teachers, as well. It is important to have an extensive evaluation as people who suffer from untreated ADHD may have serious issues that include financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure in colleges or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will often ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD and those without the disorder. adhd diagnosis uk adult do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but are an important part of the assessment process.
It is also important to examine the patient for any other medical conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD like mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely than others to respond to certain treatments. It is therefore important to determine the correct diagnosis and to get the appropriate treatment.
To be considered to have ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet a number of requirements in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two environments that include school, home, and work. The symptoms must also severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. Typically, the symptoms must begin in the early years of childhood. A psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder isn't caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.