ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD need a thorough evaluation from a professional who is well-versed in the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your past and perform physical examination. They'll also look for conditions that could be a cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid issues.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behaviors, because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines state that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This may include 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 work, school or home. If they are unable to remember important dates or appointments, or cannot keep their schedules in order and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. A health care provider's evaluation can help you determine if this is the case and if so what your treatment options are.
The symptoms must be present in at least two environments (school and at home, for instance) and for at least six months to be able to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses. They should also significantly interfere with your ability to function in certain ways, such as doing well in class, developing close relationships, or functioning in teams. It's crucial to understand that everyone has trouble staying on track and paying attention at times, but these issues are more severe in the case of ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has affected your life. The providers will also examine your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will look for health issues such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your provider will want to be aware of whether your symptoms began in childhood (technically at the age of 12). Your doctor will also be interested in knowing how your symptoms are affecting 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 when they are written down. adhd diagnosis uk adults will help you remember them and give your provider a complete picture of how your symptoms impact you. You may also bring old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. Having these records can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your whole life or only was diagnosed recently. They can also help your doctor determine if you have other issues such as depression or anxiety that often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD was thought to be a flaw in character or a sign of laziness. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatment increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed and the stigma associated with 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 of children who were inattentive and unable to focus. He also pointed out that these signs were more prevalent in boys than in girls and were unrelated to intelligence or home environment. Still's report is often credited with the start of formal recognition of ADHD.
The first edition of the psychiatric handbook, released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. However, in 1955 the US FDA approved a stimulant drug that was the most popular treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA published its second edition which listed a number of mental health disorders. It also included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still called hyperkinetic reaction in childhood.
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 views these as presenting symptoms, not distinct types, and states that they may change over a person's life.
In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. This was the first time that the UK as a whole formally recognized with support from healthcare, funding and guidance adults with ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidelines on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS recommendations on the condition in Scotland. Private organisations and charities have also produced guidance. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have begun to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This information could help develop better and more specific treatments in the near future.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose the condition. They collect data about the person's past including their family, education and employment history as well as social and personal. They might look over the old school records, or speak with teachers, coaches, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask questions about 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. The specialist will usually interview the person regarding their symptoms by using the appropriate questionnaire to the particular situation. They will also use a variety of rating scales which examine various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults, while others are based on a number of other criteria and include questions like "Do you often have trouble sitting down?" Do you struggle to organize your work or activities?
They will conduct a physical examination. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms or causing them to become worse, such as thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also inquire with the patient about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if they could 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 allows for a deeper understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires do not provide. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. They often co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to identify the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions regarding how their symptoms affect their lives. They also examine the family history of the patient and mental health.
They often ask people to bring in their report cards and school records to review, specifically those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of previous tests, such as neuropsychological or psychological, including IQ tests and results from assessments of learning disabilities.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker typically conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic assessment. In addition, they might interview relatives, friends and teachers as well. It is important to have an extensive evaluation as people who suffer from untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues that include financial problems (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failing in college or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the provider may ask the patient fill out standardized behavior ratings scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compared the behavior of those with ADHD and those without the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD but are an important part of the assessment process.
It is also important to evaluate the individual for any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use and medical conditions, like head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and to receive the right treatment.
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 exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more settings, like home, school and at work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their life functioning. The symptoms must have appeared in childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder was not caused by an illness of the mind or other co-occurring conditions.