Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It is the reason why people have issues such as staying focused, following directions and being organized.
Ask your family physician or your therapist to refer you to an expert. Also, contact your insurance provider to see if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults.
Diagnosis Process
For adults, a valid diagnosis requires an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
Often, an initial assessment will begin with a thorough interview about your lifestyle and symptoms. The healthcare professional will also want to know the length of time your symptoms have been a problem and how they affect your daily life. They might also want to speak to your family member or close friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluation could also include questions about your childhood. Since current guidelines don't allow a physician to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, your healthcare provider may wish to look at your school records or talk to teachers or other individuals who knew you as a child. They will also ask whether you've had any mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In certain instances the evaluator might suggest cognitive testing like IQ tests or tests for memory or learning issues. They may also suggest that you take other kinds of medical tests to rule out any physical conditions which could be causing your symptoms.
If your healthcare professional is certain that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, they may recommend additional diagnostic tests to confirm and determine the severity of the problem. These tests may include urine and blood tests, a medical exam and, possibly, educational or psychological testing.
Tests will be used to measure levels of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD in your body, for example dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They will also check your heart rate and blood pressure. They might also suggest a the spirometry test, which will measure your lung capacity. They might also suggest that you undergo an examination of your brain to look for structural or functional abnormalities. In certain instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be tested for conditions that share similar symptoms with ADHD, like depression and anxiety or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are numerous ADHD questions and tests that can be used to test your knowledge, prior to scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can help you recognize that you have ADHD however the clinical interview with your doctor is the only method to confirm the diagnosis.
The process can take between 2 to 3 hours. It involves explaining to the patient the concept of ADHD and the possible impact it has on their symptoms. It could also involve the doctor asking about a past history of depression or substance abuse, as those problems are often co-occurring with ADHD.
A good diagnostic interview will involve a discussion of the patient's symptoms and their impact, and the psychologist or psychiatrist will use a checklist designed to evaluate hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness. Additionally, the doctor will want to review school records and interview teachers. If the patient is an adult spouse or family members could also be questioned. Personal insight can reveal information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires.
Some doctors are rushed and skip this step, or they might insist on seeing a patient just once, rather than conducting an entire evaluation. This can cause a doctor to make a wrong diagnosis. This is a red flag when the doctor is not adamant about the criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then give examples of how these afflictions have affected their lives. The evaluator will then compare the scores with the checklist and assess the patient for ADHD.
It can be a relief for some adults to finally receive an ADHD diagnosis. But the underlying emotions -like guilt for not living up to expectations, or grief that the disorder wasn't discovered until later in life- can be complicated. The impulsivity and inattention that are typical of ADHD can have a significant impact in many areas of the life of a person, including relationships, career and health.
The Tests
It can be difficult and confusing to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It requires a lot of paperwork and interviews, as well as tests. The best method to prepare is to get recommendations from family, friends and doctors you are confident with. Research the specialist's credentials and make sure they meet your requirements. It is crucial to find an expert who is specialized in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that you or your child receives an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
An interview with an evaluator is the first step in an ADHD assessment. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions in order to know more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how your symptoms impact your life and whether they interfere with work, school or relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These usually comprise checklists that ask you or someone close to you a series of questions. For instance, you could be asked if you frequently forget appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators also ask those who know your child or you to fill out questionnaires regarding what they have observed. Adults might be asked to fill out questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children might be required to complete questionnaires from coaches, teachers, daycare workers, or nannies. Personal insight can reveal facts that cannot be gleaned from a questionnaire.
Some evaluators will also perform cognitive tests to determine whether learning or intellectual impairments are contributing to your symptoms. They might also look for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or incipient psychosis. They could also screen for underlying conditions like seizures and hypothyroidism.
Some evaluators will give your child or you an ADHD screening test that tests the way you react to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test cleared by the FDA that tests your ability to pay attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The examiner will look at the frequency at which you respond to non-targeted stimuli and the time it takes you to respond to targeted stimuli. This will help the evaluators identify which type of ADHD you are: inattentive or impulsive.
Follow-up
Multiple mental health professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD and offer ADHD evaluations. This could include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapist, or neurologist. The specialist will inquire about what your concerns are and how long they have been affecting you for. He will also ask whether there is a family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70-80% hereditary. Genetics play a significant influence on whether your child or you be affected.
He will inquire about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, school and at work. He will ask about your or your child's behavior in different settings, because the symptoms of ADHD differ when they are encountered in different situations. In addition, to be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD, your or your child must display six or more established symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsiveness that hinder daily functioning for at least 6 months.
To help the specialist make an accurate diagnosis, he must rule out any other conditions. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as intellectual disabilities could be a factor. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, for example thyroid issues, should also be considered. The specialist will also ask about your child's or your own habits of sleep and any injuries or accidents in the past that could have affected your child's or your brain's development.
The doctor will also examine whether the signs of ADHD in your child or you are related to any health conditions or medications that you or your child take. For instance, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can sometimes result in side effects like stomachaches and insomnia. These side effects can be caused by other medications, including antidepressants, sleep medications, and some sleep aids.
The doctor will also have to determine if there's an underlying comorbidity. This means you or your child could have a different condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD. This can include bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will review the information and then make the diagnosis.