ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a specialist who is trained in the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your history and perform an examination. They will also rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behavior, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed unless there is evidence of childhood symptoms. This could include obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches.
Signs and symptoms
You could be suffering from ADHD in the event that you or someone you love has trouble keeping track of time at school, work, or at home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments or aren't able to keep track of important dates or appointments, then you might be suffering from ADHD. A health professional's assessment will help you determine if this is true and, if it is what the treatment options are.
The symptoms must be evident in at least two environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months in order to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses. The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function for instance, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a group. It's important to realize that everyone has issues staying focused and organized sometimes however, these issues are more severe for those with ADHD.
In order to make a diagnosis, your provider will conduct an interview and ask you questions about your behavior and how it's affected your life. Providers will also review your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests you may have taken. They will check for health issues such as thyroid disorders and seizures, which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will ask whether you've ever experienced symptoms in childhood (technically before 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 looking to find out whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially if they are written down. This will help you remember your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture of how they impact you. You may also bring old records, such as old reports or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD is a recent issue or has been present for a long period of time. These records can help your doctor rule other problems out like depression and anxiety that share similar symptoms as ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a personality flaw or a sign of laziness. However, with the advancement of diagnosis and treatments increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed, and the stigma around this disorder is dissolving.
In 1902 Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians. He described his observations about children who were unable to pay attention or who were unable to focus. He also observed that these signs were more prevalent in boys than in girls, and were not correlated with the home environment or intelligence. The report is often credited as the beginning of official recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric manual published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not include 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, which included a list of mental health issues. It included the symptoms of ADHD even though they were still called hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
The release of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was increased awareness 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 may change over the course of a person's lifetime.
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first occasion that the UK as a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD and provided them with funding, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued a guideline on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Private organizations and charities have also produced guidance. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have started to discover the genes responsible. This knowledge could help in the future to create more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the condition. It doesn't matter if they are a physician who specializes in mental health (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or a doctor who is also educated in the field of child and youth health (a paediatrician), they will want to gather details about the person's past including the family, educational, work and social history. They will go through the school records from the past and interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they affect daily life. They will also consider 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 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 doctor will usually talk to the patient about their symptoms by using a questionnaire that is tailored to the specific situation. They also employ various ratings scales to assess different aspects ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults while others will be based on other criteria, including questions like "Do you find it difficult sitting still?" and "Do you find it hard to manage your activities or work?"
They will conduct a physical exam. They will check for any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such as thyroid problem, vision or hearing issues. 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 will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire together with their partner or a close friend. This will help to gain personal insight that checklists and questionnaires are in no way able to provide. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, which often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to spot.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask a series of questions regarding how the symptoms impact their daily lives. They also look into the history of the patient's family and mental health.
They usually ask the person to bring in their report cards and school records to review, especially those from kindergarten through high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments.
Typically the psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnosis evaluation. Additionally, they may interview friends, family members and teachers, as well. It is essential to have an extensive evaluation as people with untreated ADHD can experience serious problems such as financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failing in college or other educational institutions.
During adhd adult diagnosis uk , the doctor will often request that the patient complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of those suffering from ADHD to those of individuals who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores are not a diagnosis of ADHD however they play an important part in the assessment process.
It is also important to examine the person to determine if they have other conditions that might be similar to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse, and also medical ailments like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore important to establish a proper diagnosis and to get the appropriate treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or an adult must meet several requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptomatic behavior in at least two environments like school, home, and work. The symptoms must substantially affect the way they live of their lives. Generally, the symptoms must begin in the early years of childhood. A psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder isn't caused by a mental illness or comorbidity.