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ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD require a thorough evaluation by a doctor who is familiar with the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out conditions which could be a cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid conditions.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behavior as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed unless there is evidence of symptoms from childhood. This could mean finding your school records and contacting previous teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders.
Signs and symptoms
If you or a loved one is struggling to keep up at school, work or at home, and has trouble remembering important dates or appointments, or is unable to get organized it could be that you suffer from ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine whether this is the case and, if so what the treatment options are.
To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the symptoms have to be present for at least six months and be evident in at least two settings (school and at home, as an instance). The symptoms should also be impacting your ability to perform, for example, in class, in creating close relationships, or working as part of a team. It's crucial to understand that everyone has difficulty staying on track and paying attention at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD.
In order to make an assessment, your doctor will interview you and ask questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The providers will also examine your family history, as well as any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will also look for health issues like thyroid disorders or seizures, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Your doctor will inquire if you have ever had symptoms in your childhood (technically before the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms affect you now and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
Bring your own list of symptoms, especially if they are written down. This will help you to recall your symptoms and provide your doctor a complete picture of how they impact you. You may also bring old records, such as old reports or performance evaluations. These records can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem throughout your entire life or if it started recently. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult can also assist your doctor to rule out other problems, such as anxiety or depression which can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a flaw in character or laziness. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatment, more children are being diagnosed and the stigma around this disorder is slowly disappearing.
Sir George Frederick Still gave a series of lectures in 1902 at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations of children who were inattentive and unable to focus. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more prevalent in boys than in girls, and were not correlated with intelligence or home environment. Still's report has been credited with being the beginning of formal recognition of ADHD.
The first version of APA's psychotherapy guideline, published in 1952, did not mention ADHD. However, 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 listed several mental health conditions. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still classified as hyperkinetic reactions of childhood.
The release of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was increased acceptance and understanding 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 considers these to be manifestations rather than distinct types and states that they can change over time.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as an entire officially recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with financial aid, healthcare assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also released guidelines on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS recommendations regarding the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been developed by private companies and charities. In recent times there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD, and researchers have begun to identify the genes that cause it. This information could be helpful in the future to create more targeted and effective treatments.
Physical Examination
An expert in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to make an assessment and diagnose. It doesn't matter if they are a physician who is specialized in mental health (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor who is also educated in the field of child and youth health (a paediatrician) They will need to gather a variety of information about the person's history that includes family, educational, work and social histories. They will go through the school records from the past and interview teachers, coaches and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect life. They will also consider how the symptoms have changed with time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria 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 specific questionnaire adapted to the particular situation will be administered by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. They will also use different rating scales to look at different aspects 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 other factors, including questions such as "Do you find it difficult sitting still?" Do you have trouble organizing your work or activities?
They will perform an examination of the body. They will check to see whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing or making the symptoms worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. They will also inquire with the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if these may be contributing to symptoms.
If a person is assessed for ADHD in adulthood, they will be asked to complete the questionnaire with their partner or a close friend. This helps to uncover the personal insights that questionnaires and checklists unable to provide. This is especially useful for those with multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to recognize the signs.
Psychological Evaluation
A health care professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series questions about the symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They also review a patient's mental health and family history.
They can request a copy of the student's report cards or school records, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, including results from IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
Typically an audiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker will conduct the interview portion of an evaluation of the severity of adhd. Additionally, they may interview family members, friends, teachers or employers as well. It is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation because people who suffer from untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues such as financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failure at college or other educational institutions.
During the interview, the provider will usually ask the patient to complete the standard behavior rating scales developed to detect ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares the behavior of individuals with ADHD to those of people without the disorder. These ratings do not constitute an official diagnosis of ADHD but are an important aspect of the evaluation process.
It is also important to assess the individual to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse, and medical conditions such as thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is important that a proper diagnosis is made and the correct treatment is given.
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 display symptoms in at least two environments like school, home, or work. The symptoms must severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. The symptoms must have appeared in childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or concomitant conditions.
