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ADHD Diagnosis – How an Expert Makes a Diagnosis For adults diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist in the disorder. They will likely ask you about your history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also rule out other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like learning disorders, mood disorders or thyroid conditions. The doctor will ask you about your childhood behavior, since the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines state that ADHD in adults is not diagnosed unless there is evidence of symptoms from childhood. This includes obtaining school records and contacting former teachers, religious leaders, or coaches. Signs and symptoms If you or a loved one is having trouble keeping up with school, work, or home, has difficulties remembering important dates and appointments, or can't seem to organize, you may have ADHD. An evaluation by your health professional can help you determine if this is the case and, if it is the case, what treatment options are available. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis The symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months and be noticeable in at least two different settings (school and at home, for instance). The symptoms should also be affecting your ability to function for example in class, developing close relationships or working in a team. It is important to recognize that everyone has problems staying focused and organized at times However, these issues are more serious with ADHD. Your doctor will ask questions about your behavior, and how it has impacted your life. The doctor will also look over your family history as well as any past medical or psychological tests you've had. They will be looking for health problems such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD. Your doctor will inquire whether you've ever experienced symptoms in your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). They'll also be interested in how your symptoms affect you now and how they've 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, particularly when they are written down. This will help you remember the symptoms and provide your doctor with a a complete picture of how your symptoms affect you. You may also bring other records such as the performance evaluations you receive from work or old report cards from school. These records can help your provider determine whether ADHD is a recent issue or has been present for a long period of time. They can also help your doctor determine if you have other issues like anxiety or depression, which often have similar symptoms to ADHD. History In the past, ADHD has been viewed as a flaw in character. With the advancements in diagnosis and treatment the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing and the stigma surrounding this disorder is diminishing. 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 inattentive or who were unable to focus. He also observed that the symptoms were more common in boys than girls, and were not related to intelligence or home environments. Still's report has been considered to be the first official recognition of ADHD. The initial version of the psychiatric manual released in 1952 by the American Psychological Association (APA) did not contain ADHD. In 1955, however, the US FDA approved stimulant medications that were used as the primary treatment for ADHD. The APA published its second edition in 1968, which included a variety of mental health issues. It included symptoms of ADHD even though they were still classified as hyperkinetic reaction of childhood. In 1994 the fourth edition of 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 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) released guidelines on ADHD in adults in 2008. This was the first time that the UK as an entire recognized adults with ADHD by providing them with funding, healthcare support and guidance. SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), has also released guidance on ADHD among children. These two documents are the sole official NHS recommendations on the condition in Scotland. Other guidance has been produced by private companies and charities. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the biological cause of ADHD. Researchers have begun to discover the genes responsible. This information can help create better and more specific treatments in the future. Physical Examination A specialist in ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose the condition. If they are a doctor who specializes in mental health (such as psychologist or psychiatrist) or a doctor trained in child and youth health (a paediatrician) They will want to gather details about the person's past, including the family, educational, work and social histories. They will look over old school records and may 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association defines the criteria for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children. To meet how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult , 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 may also employ various rating scales which examine various aspects of ADHD symptoms. Some of these ratings will be built on the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale For Adults. Other ratings will be based on different criteria, such as “Do you have difficulty sitting still?” Do you have trouble organizing your time or activities? They will conduct a physical examination. They will check to see if there are any medical problems which could be responsible for making the symptoms worse like thyroid dysfunction, vision or hearing problems. They will also inquire with the patient about their diet and lifestyle habits in order to determine if these could be contributing to symptoms. A person who is being assessed for ADHD as an adult may be asked to fill out a questionnaire with their partner or another close friend. This allows for a deeper understanding of the person than checklists and questionnaires can't provide. This is especially beneficial for those with multiple disorders like depression or anxiety. They often co-occur with ADHD, making it difficult to discern the signs. Psychological Evaluation When a health care professional who is evaluating a child adult for ADHD begins by interviewing them, they ask a series of questions regarding how their symptoms affect their daily lives. They also take a look at a patient's family history and their mental health. They can request a copy of the student's report card or school records, particularly those from kindergarten to high school. They may also ask for copies of any previous neuropsychological or psychological testing, including results from IQ tests and learning disabilities assessments. Typically the psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker conducts the interview portion in an adhd diagnosis evaluation. They might also interview family members, friends, teachers, or employers. It is important to get an accurate assessment as people with ADHD who aren't treated can have serious problems. These could include financial issues (impulsive purchases), marital difficulties, or failure to attend colleges or other educational institutions. During the interview, the provider will usually request that the patient complete the standard behavior rating scales developed to detect ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares behaviors of those with ADHD and those without the disorder. These scores do not constitute the diagnosis of ADHD however they are an important element of the evaluation process. It is also crucial to check the person for any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD, such as mood disorders, sleep disorders, substance use and medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries. These conditions are more likely to respond to specific treatments, so it is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and the right treatment is offered. A child or adult must meet the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be diagnosed with ADHD. They must display symptoms in two or more settings, like home, school and at work, and the symptoms must seriously affect their daily functioning. Generally, the symptoms must be present since the early years of life, and a psychiatrist must be able to determine that the disorder is not caused by a mental illness or comorbid condition.