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ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis

Adults with ADHD require a thorough assessment from a professional who is well-versed in the disorder. They'll likely ask you 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 inquire about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults can't be diagnosed absent evidence of childhood symptoms. This means obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.

Signs and symptoms

You could have ADHD if you or someone you know has trouble keeping track of time at school, work or at home. If they're 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 will help you determine if this is the case, and, if it is 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 meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be hindering your ability to function, for example, in class, in developing close relationships or working as part of a team. It's important to realize that everyone has issues staying focused and organized at times however, these issues are more serious with ADHD.

In order to make a diagnosis, your provider will interview you and ask you questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. Your doctor will also go over your family history as well as any past medical or psychological tests you may have had. They will search for health problems such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders, that can cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.

Your provider will want to determine if your symptoms began in your childhood (technically at the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they have affected you in the past. They'll also be looking to find out if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before.

Bring your own list of symptoms, especially when they are written down. This will aid in remembering the symptoms and provide your doctor with a an accurate picture of how your symptoms affect you. You may also bring in older records like old report cards or performance evaluations. These documents can help your doctor determine whether ADHD is a recent problem or has been present for a long time. They can also help your provider identify other conditions, such as depression or anxiety which can have similar symptoms to ADHD.

History

In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatments, 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 described his observations of children who were inattentive and incapable of focusing. He also pointed out that these signs were more prevalent for boys than girls, and were not correlated with the home environment or intelligence. Still's report is often associated with the start of official recognition of ADHD.

The first version of the psychiatric manual released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not include ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968, the APA released its second edition which listed a number of mental health issues. The second edition of the manual listed a number of mental health issues, including ADHD symptoms.

The release of the fourth edition of the manual for psychiatric patients in 1994, there was an increase in 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 different types of presentations and states that they can change over time.

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 formally recognised with healthcare support and guidance for adults who suffer from ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD among children. These two documents are the sole official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Other guidelines have been created by private companies and charities. In recent times, there has been a rising interest in the biological causes of ADHD and researchers have begun to find the genes responsible for it. This information can help create better and more specific treatments in the near future.

Physical Examination

A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the condition. They collect data from the patient's past as well as their family, educational and employment history as well as social and personal. They may review the old school records, or speak with coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about the symptoms and how they impact life. They will also examine how symptoms have changed over time.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, defines the criteria for determining 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. A customized questionnaire to the situation will be utilized by the specialist to talk to 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 are based on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a number of other criteria. They include questions like "Do you have difficulty sitting still?" Do getting a adhd diagnosis struggle with organizing your time or activities?

They will conduct a physical exam. They will determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such a thyroid disorder, vision or hearing issues. They will also inquire with the person about their dietary and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these may contribute to symptoms.

If a person is being assessed for ADHD in adulthood, they will be asked to complete an assessment with a partner or a close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the individual that checklists and questionnaires cannot provide. This can be particularly useful for people suffering from comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms more difficult to recognize.


Psychological Evaluation

When a health professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask them a series of questions about how their symptoms affect their lives. They also take a look at the history of the patient's family and mental health.

They could request an original copy of the student's reports or school records, particularly 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 assessments for learning disabilities.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker typically will conduct the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. In addition, they might interview family members, friends, teachers or employers as well. It is important to have an extensive evaluation as people who suffer from untreated ADHD can experience serious problems such as financial issues (impulsive spending) and marital problems, as well as failing in colleges or other educational institutions.

During an interview, the provider may ask the patient to complete standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores are not an indication of ADHD however they play an important aspect of the evaluation process.

It is also crucial to check the person for other ailments that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. Those conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, therefore it is essential that a correct diagnosis is made and the appropriate treatment is provided.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or an adult must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in two or more environments such as school, home, or at work, and their symptoms must seriously affect their daily functioning. Generally, the symptoms must begin in childhood, and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbid condition.

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