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ADHD Diagnosis – How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough examination by a professional who specializes in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your previous experiences and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out conditions which can mimic ADHD like mood disorders, learning disorders or thyroid disorders. The doctor will inquire about your childhood behavior, as the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines stipulate that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed without evidence of early signs. This means obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders or coaches. Signs and symptoms If you or someone you love is struggling to keep up with school, work or at home, is having trouble remembering important dates or appointments, or is unable to organize or stay on top of things, you could be suffering from ADHD. A health care professional's assessment can help you determine whether this is the case and, if it is what your treatment options are. To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and be noticeable in at minimum two different environments (school and at home, for example). The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for example, in class, in forming close relationships or in working in a group. It is important to recognize that everyone has difficulty staying focused and organized at times, but these issues are more severe with ADHD. Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. The providers will also look at your family history and any previous medical or psychological tests you've taken. They will check for health problems, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder, which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. Your doctor will ask you whether you've ever experienced symptoms during your childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your doctor will also be interested in knowing what your symptoms are doing to you at the moment and in the past. They'll want to know if you've been diagnosed with ADHD in the past. Bring your own list of symptoms, particularly when they are written down. This will aid in remembering them and give your provider an accurate description of how your symptoms affect you. You can also bring old records such as old report cards or performance evaluations. These records can help your provider determine if ADHD has been a problem for you throughout your entire life or began recently. These records can help your doctor determine if there are other issues, such as depression and anxiety, which have similar symptoms as ADHD. History In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. But, with advancements in diagnosis and treatment, more children are being diagnosed, and the stigma around this disorder is slowly disappearing. In 1902, Sir George Frederick Still presented a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians. He outlined his observations of children who were inattentive and unfocused. He also observed that the symptoms were more prevalent in boys than girls and that they were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report is often associated with the first the formal recognition of ADHD. The initial version of the psychiatric handbook, published 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. adhd adult diagnosis listed a number of mental health conditions. The second edition of the APA's manual listed several mental health conditions, including ADHD symptoms. With the release of the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual in 1994, there was increased 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 defines these as presentations, rather than distinct types and states that they may change over the course of a person's life. NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), published guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. It was the first occasion that the UK as a whole recognized adults suffering from ADHD, providing them with healthcare, funding, assistance and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) has also issued guidelines on ADHD in children. These two documents are the sole official NHS guidelines on the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been developed by charities and private organizations. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the biological causes of ADHD. Researchers have started to discover the genes responsible. This information could help develop better, more targeted treatments in the near future. Physical Examination A specialist in ADHD conducts a thorough assessment to determine if they have an assessment and diagnose. If they are a doctor who specializes in mental health (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) 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 education, family, and social histories. They might review the old school records, or speak with coaches, teachers, and other professionals that know the person. They will inquire about symptoms and how they affect life. They will also consider how the symptoms have changed over time. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria 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 specific questionnaire adapted to the specific situation will be administered by the specialist to interview the patient about their symptoms. They will also use different rating scales to evaluate various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings are built on the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for adults, whereas others are based on a variety of other criteria. They include questions like “Do you have difficulty sitting down?” Do you struggle to organize your activities or work? They will conduct a physical exam. They will look to determine whether there are any medical conditions that could be causing or aggravating the symptoms for example, thyroid dysfunction or vision and hearing problems. They will also inquire about the person's dietary and lifestyle habits to determine if they may be contributing to the symptoms. Someone who is being evaluated for ADHD as an adult may be asked to complete an assessment together with their partner or a close friend. This helps to uncover personal insights that checklists and questionnaires are not able to provide. This is especially beneficial for those with multiple disorders like anxiety or depression. They often co-occur with ADHD and can make it difficult to recognize the symptoms. Psychological Evaluation A health care professional who is evaluating a child for ADHD will ask them a series questions about the symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They also take a look at a patient's family history and their mental health. They may ask for an original copy of the student's reports or school records, especially those from kindergarten to high school. They may request copies of any previous psychological or neuropsychological tests, including IQ tests and results from learning disabilities assessments. A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker typically conducts the interview part of an adhd diagnostic evaluation. They might also interview family members, friends as well as teachers or employers. It is important to have a comprehensive evaluation because people with untreated ADHD are susceptible to serious issues, including financial problems (impulsive spending), marital difficulties or failure at colleges or other educational institutions. During an interview, a doctor may ask the patient complete standardized behavioral ratings scales that are designed to detect ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not suffer from the disorder. These scores are not an official diagnosis of ADHD, but they are an important part in the process of evaluating. It is also important to check the person for other conditions that could have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, substance use and medical illnesses, such as head injuries or thyroid disease. These conditions are more likely than others to respond to certain treatments. It is therefore crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and to receive the right treatment. A person who is a child or an adult must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must exhibit symptoms in two or more environments like school, home and at work, and the symptoms must significantly interfere with their daily functioning. Generally speaking, the symptoms should begin in the early years of life, and a psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder is not caused by another mental illness or comorbid condition.