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ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct an examination of your body. They'll also rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD, such as mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will also ask about your childhood habits, since the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This could mean finding your school records and getting in touch with former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
You could have ADHD If you or someone you know has trouble keeping track of time at school, work or home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments, or aren't able to stay organized and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation will help you determine if this is the case and, if it is, what treatment options there are.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at least six months and be evident in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, for example). They should also significantly interfere with your ability to function in certain ways, like doing well in classes, forming close bonds, or working on teams. It is important to recognize that everyone struggles to stay focused and organized at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will interview you and ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The doctors will also examine your family history, and any previous medical or psychological tests that you may have taken. They will search for health issues, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want be aware of whether your symptoms began in your childhood (technically prior to age 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms affect you today and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also be looking to find out if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It is helpful to bring a list of symptoms to the appointment, especially if you have them written down. This will help you remember them and give your provider an accurate description of how your symptoms impact you. You may also bring in old records such as old reports or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine if ADHD is a new issue or has been present for a long period of time. They can also help your provider rule out other problems, such as anxiety or depression, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatment more children are being diagnosed and the stigma around this disorder is dissolving.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations regarding children who were unfocused or unable to concentrate. He also pointed out that the symptoms were more common in boys than girls and that they were not related to the home environment or intelligence. Still's report is often associated as the beginning of the formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's psychiatric guide, published in 1952, did not include ADHD. But in 1955 the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, and included a variety of mental health issues. The second edition of the APA's manual listed several mental health conditions, such as ADHD symptoms.
In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was released. 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 says that they may change throughout a person's lifetime.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. It was the first time that the UK as an entire recognized adults with ADHD, providing them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidelines on ADHD among children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding 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 identify the genes responsible for it. This knowledge will help in the near future in developing more targeted and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to determine if they have a diagnosis. They collect information from the past of the patient, including their family, education and employment history as well as social and personal. They will go through old school records and interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms, and how they affect 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 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 interview the patient about their symptoms. They will also use a variety of rating scales that examine 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 factors, including questions such as "Do you find it difficult sitting still?" and "Do you find it hard to organize your activities or work?"
They will perform an examination of the body. They will check to see if there are any medical issues which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing issues. They will also ask 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 at the age of adulthood, they will be asked to complete the questionnaire with their partner or a close friend. This allows for a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially useful for those suffering from comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. They often co-occur with ADHD and can make it difficult to discern the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
If a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions regarding how the symptoms impact their lives. They also go over the patient's mental health as well as family history.
They usually ask people to bring in their report cards and school records for review, specifically those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, including results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
Typically the psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will conduct the interview portion of an assessment of the diagnosis of adhd. Additionally, they may interview relatives, friends and teachers, as well. It is essential to have thorough evaluations because those with untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues, including financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, 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 detect ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behavior of individuals with ADHD with those of those who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD but are an important element of the assessment process.
It is also important to check the person for any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is important to make sure that a valid diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
A person who is a child or an adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must display symptomatic behavior in at least two different settings like home, school, and work. getting diagnosed with adhd must also significantly interfere with the functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood, and a psychiatrist must verify that the disorder is not caused by an illness of the mind or other concomitant conditions.
