birdchick9

ADHD Diagnosis – How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis Adults suffering from ADHD require a thorough evaluation by a doctor who is well-versed in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct physical examination. They'll also rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD like 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 early signs. This could include obtaining your school records and contacting previous teachers or coaches as well as religious leaders. Signs and symptoms If you or someone you love is having trouble keeping up at work, school or at home, is having trouble remembering important dates or appointments, or is unable to organize, you may have ADHD. An evaluation by an expert in health care can help you find out if this is the case, and If it is, what treatment options are available. The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings (school and at home, for example) and for at least six months to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be affecting your ability to function, for example, in class, in creating close relationships, or working in a group. It's important to understand that everyone has problems paying attention and staying organized sometimes, but these problems are more serious with ADHD. Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. Your doctor will also go over your family history and any past medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will check for health issues, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Your provider will ask whether you've ever experienced symptoms in your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also want to know how your symptoms impact you today and how they've affected you in the past. They'll also be interested in knowing if you've ever been diagnosed with ADHD before. Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly when they are written down. This will help you remember your symptoms and give your doctor a complete picture of how they affect you. You can also bring documents like performance evaluations from work or old report cards from school. Having these records can help your doctor determine if ADHD has been a problem throughout your whole life or only started recently. These documents can help your doctor rule other problems out, such as anxiety and depression that share similar symptoms to ADHD. History In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in the character of a person. However, with advances in diagnosis and treatments increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed, and the stigma surrounding this disorder is dissolving. 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 incapable of concentrating. He also pointed out that these symptoms were more prevalent in boys than in girls, and were not correlated with the home environment or intelligence. Still's report is often associated with the first formal recognition of ADHD. The initial 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 a stimulant drug that was the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. The APA released its second edition in 1968, which listed several mental health conditions. It included the symptoms of ADHD however they were still called hyperkinetic reaction of childhood. In 1994 the fourth edition of the psychiatric book was published. 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 considers these as presentations, rather than distinct types and states that they could change over a person's life. In 2008, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) issued guidelines on ADHD in adults. This was the first time the UK as a whole acknowledged with healthcare support and guidance for adults who suffer from ADHD. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also released guidance on ADHD in children. These two documents are the only official NHS Scotland guidelines on the condition. Private and non-profit organizations have also produced guidance. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have started to identify the genes that cause ADHD. This information could help create better targeted, more effective treatments in the near future. Physical Examination A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough examination to identify the problem. Whether they are a physician who is specialized in mental health (such as psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor who is also trained in child and young health (a paediatrician) They will need to gather a variety of information about the person's history that includes the family, educational, work and social history. They will look over old school records and interview coaches, teachers and other professionals who know the person. They will ask questions about symptoms, and how they affect daily life. They will also look at how the symptoms have changed over time. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, defines the criteria used to diagnose 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 customized questionnaire to the situation will be utilized by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. They may also employ different ratings scales to assess various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be basing on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults. Other ratings will be based on other criteria, including questions like “Do you find it difficult to sit still?” and “Do you find it hard to organize your time or tasks?” They will conduct an examination of the body. They will look to determine whether there are any medical problems that could be causing or making the symptoms worse for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision or hearing problems. They will also inquire about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they might be contributing to the 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 family member. This will allow for a greater understanding of the person that checklists and questionnaires cannot provide. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. These are often associated with ADHD and can make it difficult to discern the symptoms. Psychological Evaluation When a health care professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD first interviews them, they ask them a series of questions about how their symptoms affect their lives. They also review a patient's mental health and family history. They could request copies of the student's reports or school records, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including the results of IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments. A psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker usually conducts the interview portion of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. In addition, they might interview relatives, friends and teachers, as well. It is important to have thorough evaluations because those who suffer from untreated ADHD can experience serious problems, including financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failing in colleges or other educational institutions. During the interview, the doctor will usually ask the patient to fill out standardized behavior rating scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These tests are based on research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without the disorder. These ratings are not an indication of ADHD, but they are an important aspect of the assessment process. It is important to also evaluate the individual to determine if there are other conditions that might be similar to ADHD. These include sleep disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse and medical conditions like thyroid disease or brain injuries. These conditions are more likely than other conditions to respond to specific treatments. It is therefore crucial to make a correct diagnosis and receive the right treatment. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, the child or adult must meet the requirements in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. adhd adults diagnosis must exhibit symptoms in more than one setting such as school, home, and work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their daily functioning. The symptoms must have manifested in childhood and a psychiatrist must confirm that the disorder was not caused by a mental illness or co-occurring conditions.