What Is The ADHD Diagnostic Term And How To Use It
ADHD Diagnosis - How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis
For adults who are diagnosed with the disorder, identifying ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They'll likely inquire about your history and do a physical exam. They'll also rule out other conditions that may resemble ADHD, such as learning disorders, mood disorders, or thyroid problems.
The doctor will ask you about your childhood behavior because the American Psychiatric Assocation's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed unless there is evidence of early signs. This includes obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches.
Symptoms
You may have ADHD in the event that you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at school, work, or home. If they're unable to remember important dates or appointments or cannot keep their schedules in order it is possible that they are suffering from ADHD. A health professional's assessment can help you determine whether this is the case, and, if so what the treatment options are.
The symptoms have to be present in at least two different environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months to be able to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms should also be hindering your ability to function for example in class, forming close relationships or in working in a team. It's important to realize that everyone has trouble staying focused and organized at times, but these issues are more prevalent in those with ADHD.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has affected your life. The doctor will also look over your family history and any previous psychological or medical tests you've taken. They will search for health problems, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders that could cause the similar symptoms as ADHD.
Your doctor will want to know if your symptoms started in your early years (technically prior to age 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 want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD before.
It's a good idea to bring your own list of symptoms to the appointment, particularly if you have them written down. This will help you remember the symptoms and provide your doctor with a an accurate description of how your symptoms affect you. You may also bring 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 assist your doctor to rule out other problems such as depression or anxiety, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD.
History
In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a character flaw. With advances in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma surrounding this disorder is fading.
In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations regarding children who were inattentive or unable to concentrate. He also noted that these symptoms were more prevalent in boys than in girls and were not related to intelligence or home environment. The report is often credited with the start of official recognition of ADHD.
The initial version of the psychiatric manual published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were the main treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, which included a variety of mental health issues. It also included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.
The release of the fourth edition of the manual on psychiatry in 1994, there was increased 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 presentations, rather than distinct types, and states that they could change over a person's life.
In adults diagnosed with adhd , NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidance on ADHD in adults. This was the first time the UK as a whole formally recognised with healthcare support and guidance for adults with ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued advice on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland recommendations regarding the condition. Other guidelines have been created by private organisations and charities. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have started to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This information could be helpful in the near future in developing more specific and effective treatments.
Physical Exam
A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the problem. They collect data about the person's past as well as their family, education, employment and social history. They might review the old school records, or speak with coaches, teachers, and other professionals that know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms and how they affect 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 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. The specialist will typically interview the person regarding their symptoms using the appropriate questionnaire to the specific circumstance. They will also use different scales of assessment that look at 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 have difficulty sitting still?" and "Do you struggle to organize your time or tasks?"
They will perform an examination for physical health. They will check to see whether there are any medical problems which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse like thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing issues. They will also ask about the individual's diet and lifestyle habits to determine if they might be contributing to the symptoms.
Someone who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult is likely to be asked to complete an assessment together with their partner or a close friend. This provides a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires cannot provide. This is especially useful for people who have comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. These are often associated with ADHD, making it difficult to discern the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
When a health care professional who is evaluating a child or adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions about how the symptoms affect their daily lives. They also go over a patient's mental health and family history.
They may ask for a copy of the student's report card or school records, particularly those from kindergarten through high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and assessments for learning disabilities.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker typically will conduct the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic assessment. They might also interview family members, friends and teachers as well as employers. It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation because people who suffer from untreated ADHD can experience serious problems that include financial problems (impulsive spending) or marital issues, as well as failure at colleges or other educational institutions.
During an interview, the doctor may ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior ratings scales which are designed to help identify ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of those suffering from ADHD to those of people without the disorder. These ratings are not an official diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important element of the assessment process.
It is important to also evaluate the individual to determine if they have other conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders and substance abuse and medical conditions like thyroid disease or brain injuries. Those conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, so it is crucial that a correct diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided.
A child or adult must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two different settings, such as home, school, and work. The symptoms must also severely hinder the normal functioning of their lives. Generally, the symptoms must have started in childhood, and a psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.