ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD need a thorough evaluation by a specialist who is well-versed in the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your history and perform an examination of your body. They will also rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid disorders.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood behaviors as the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adults with ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of symptoms from childhood. This may include finding your school records and contacting previous teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders.
Symptoms
If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up with school, work or at home, is having difficulty remembering important dates or appointments, or is unable 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 if this is true and, if so, what treatment options there are.
The symptoms must be present 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 diagnoses. The symptoms must also be impacting your ability to perform for instance in class, forming close relationships or in working in a group. It's important to understand that everyone has problems paying attention and staying organized at times, but these problems are more serious for those with ADHD.
To determine a diagnosis, your physician will conduct an interview and ask questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctors will also review your family history, as well as any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will search for health issues such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will want to know if your symptoms started in your early years (technically, before age 12). Your doctor will also be interested in knowing how your symptoms affect you now and in the past. They'll also want to know if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly if they're written down. This will help you keep track of your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture about how they affect you. You can also bring documents, such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old school report cards. Having these records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it began recently. They can also help your provider identify other conditions such as depression or anxiety, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment, more children are diagnosed and the stigma around this disorder is diminishing.
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 or unable to concentrate. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more common for boys than girls and that they were not related to the quality of education or home environments. Still's report has been credited with being the first official recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric handbook, published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, and listed a number of mental health conditions. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
With the release of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was increased 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 presenting symptoms, not distinct types, and states that they can change throughout the course of a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time the UK as a whole recognized with support from healthcare and guidance for adults who suffer from ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS guidelines regarding the condition in Scotland. Other guidelines have been created by charities and private organizations. In recent years there has been an increase in 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 Examination
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to make an assessment and diagnose. Whether they are a physician who is specialized in mental health (such as psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor who is also educated in the field of child and youth health (a paediatrician) They will want to gather a variety of information about the person's history that includes the family, educational, work and social histories. They might look over the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms, and how they affect daily life. They will also examine how 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. A customized questionnaire to the specific situation will be used by the specialist to talk to the patient about their symptoms. They also employ various ratings scales to assess various aspects of 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 range of other criteria. They also include questions such as "Do you often have trouble sitting still?" Do you have trouble organizing your time or activities?
They will conduct a physical exam. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms or making them worse, such as thyroid problem, hearing or vision problems. They will also ask about the person's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms.
A person who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. They often co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions on how the symptoms affect their lives. They also take a look at the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They may ask for copies of the student's report cards or school records, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, including results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker typically conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They may also interview friends, family members and teachers as well as employers. It is essential to obtain a comprehensive assessment because people with ADHD who aren't treated may face serious issues. This includes financial issues (impulsive purchases) or marital issues, or failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During how to get diagnosed with adhd uk , the doctor will often ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of individuals with ADHD with those of those without the disorder. These scores are not an official diagnosis of ADHD however they play an important part in the assessment process.
It is also essential to evaluate the individual for other ailments that may have similar symptoms to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse and medical conditions, like head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, so it is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
To be considered to have ADHD, a child or an adult must meet a number of requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in at least two different settings like home, school, and work. The symptoms should also significantly interfere with the functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have appeared in the early years of childhood. A psychiatric professional must confirm that the disorder was not caused by an illness of the mind or other concomitant conditions.