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ADHD Diagnosis – How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct physical examination. They'll also rule out conditions that can mimic ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders, or thyroid issues. The doctor will also inquire about your childhood behaviors, since the current American Psychiatric Association guidelines state that adult ADHD cannot be diagnosed without evidence of signs from childhood. This may include getting your school records as well as contact with your former teachers, coaches, or religious leaders. Signs and symptoms You could have ADHD in the event that 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 aren't able to stay organized and on track, then they could be suffering from ADHD. A visit to your health professional will help you determine whether this is the case and in the event that it is the case, what treatments are available. The symptoms have to be present in at least two environments (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months in order to satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be impacting your ability to perform for instance, in class, in creating close relationships, or working as part of a team. adhd diagnosis for adults Iampsychiatry to understand that everyone has issues keeping track of their time and staying organized at times However, these issues are more serious with ADHD. Your provider will ask you questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. The providers will also review your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will check for health issues, like thyroid disorders or seizures, which could cause similar 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 be interested in how your symptoms affect you now and how they have affected you in the past. They'll want to know whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past. Bring your own list of symptoms, especially if they're written down. This will help you remember them and give your physician a an accurate description of how your symptoms affect you. You can also bring records such as performance evaluations from work or old school report cards. These records can help your doctor determine whether ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or started recently. These documents can help your doctor to rule out other conditions like anxiety and depression that have similar symptoms as ADHD. History In the past, ADHD was thought to be a flaw in character or lazyness. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma associated with this disorder is fading. 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 noted that the symptoms were more common for boys than girls and were not related the home environment or intelligence. Still's report has been credited with being the first step towards the formal recognition of ADHD. The first edition of the psychiatric handbook, published in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however the US FDA approved stimulant medications which were prescribed as the primary treatment for ADHD. In 1968 the APA published its second edition which included a list of mental health issues. It also included symptoms of ADHD however they were still referred to as hyperkinetic reaction in childhood. With the release of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was a greater awareness 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 considers these to be different types of presentations and says that they may change over time. In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. It was the first occasion that the UK as an entire officially recognized adults with ADHD and provided them with funding, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Private organizations and charities have also issued guidance. In recent years, there has been a growing 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 future. Physical Exam An expert in ADHD conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if they have the diagnosis. If they are a doctor who specializes in mental health (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or a doctor who is also trained in child and young health (a paediatrician) They will need to gather information about the person's history, including family, educational, work and social histories. They might look over old school records or interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will inquire about symptoms and how they interfere with life. They will also consider how symptoms have changed over time. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, outlines the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in both 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. The doctor will usually talk to the person about their symptoms by using an assessment that is adapted to the particular situation. They may also employ 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 different factors, including questions such as “Do you find it difficult sitting still?” and “Do you struggle to manage your time or tasks?” They will conduct a physical exam. They will check for any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms or causing them to get worse, such a thyroid problem, hearing or vision issues. They will also ask about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they could be contributing to the symptoms. If a person is evaluated for ADHD at the age of adulthood, they will be asked to fill out the questionnaire with their partner or a close family member. This can help uncover personal insight that questionnaires and checklists in no way able to provide. This can be particularly useful for those suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression or anxiety, which often co-occur with ADHD and make the symptoms harder to spot. 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 lives. They also look over a patient's mental health and family history. They often ask the person to bring in their report cards and school records for review, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They can also request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological testing, such as results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments. Typically the psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker will conduct the interview part of an evaluation of the severity of adhd. They may also interview relatives, friends as well as teachers or employers. It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation because people who are not treated for ADHD are susceptible to serious issues, including financial problems (impulsive spending) or marital issues, as well as failing in colleges or other educational institutions. During the interview, the provider will typically ask the patient to complete the standard behavior rating scales developed to identify ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behavior of individuals with ADHD to those of individuals without the disorder. These ratings do not constitute a diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important aspect of the evaluation process. It is also essential to check the person for other ailments that may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use and medical illnesses, such as thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to certain treatments, therefore it is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and that the appropriate treatment is provided. To be considered to have ADHD, either a child or an adult must meet several criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must display symptoms in more than one setting, like home, school and work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their everyday functioning. Typically, the symptoms must be present since the early years of childhood. A psychiatric provider must determine that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbidity.