Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It explains why some individuals have difficulty staying organized, following directions or staying focused.
Ask your family doctor or therapist for a referral to a specialist. Also be sure to inquire with your insurance company to determine if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults.
Diagnosis Process
For adults, a valid diagnosis will require an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to identify ADHD in adults.
A detailed interview about your symptoms and how you are feeling is usually the first step in the initial evaluation. The healthcare professional might also inquire about how long you've had symptoms and how they affect you. 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. The current guidelines do allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without evidence that the disorder existed in the early years of childhood. Therefore, the healthcare professional will want to examine your school records and speak to those who knew you as a child. They will also ask whether you've ever experienced any mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
In some cases an evaluator might suggest cognitive tests like IQ testing or assessments for learning or memory issues. They may also recommend other medical exams to rule out physical issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If your doctor is sure that your symptoms are due to ADHD They may suggest additional diagnostic tests to verify and determine the severity of the condition. These tests will likely include urine and blood tests, a medical exam and, possibly, psychological or educational tests.
Tests will be used to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals that could be linked with ADHD in your body, for example serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They will also examine your heart rate and blood pressure. You may also be offered a spirometry, which measures lung capacity. They may also recommend a brain imaging scan to determine if there are any functional or structural problems. In certain instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be evaluated for disorders that have similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are many ADHD questions and tests that can be used as a screening tool before scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can provide you with the information that you have ADHD however a doctor's clinical interview is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
The process can last from about 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it could influence their symptoms. It may also include the doctor asking about a past history of depression or abuse of substances, as those problems may co-exist 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 therapist will be required to review school records and talk to teachers. If the patient is an adult, a spouse or family members could also be interviewed. Personal experience can reveal details that are not available through questionnaires.
Some doctors are in a rush and don't bother with this step or they might insist on seeing a patient just once, instead of conducting a full examination. This can lead to misdiagnosis. diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis is a red-flag in the event that the physician is too rigid about the criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluator could ask adults to rate each symptom they see on an ADHD checklist, and then provide examples of how these afflictions have affected their lives. The evaluator compares the scores with the checklist and determines if there is ADHD.
For some adults, it can be a relief to be diagnosed with ADHD. The deep-seated emotions, such as guilt or grief for not achieving expectations or the fact that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in the life, may be complicated. ADHD is defined by impulsivity and a lack of focus. These characteristics can have negative consequences in a variety of fields, including relationships work, health, and careers.
The Tests
It can be a challenge and confusing to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. It involves many forms as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. The best way to prepare is to get recommendations from family, friends and doctors you are confident with. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure that they meet your needs. It is crucial to find a professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that you or your child receives a precise diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with the assessor. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how your symptoms impact your daily life and if they interfere with work, school or relationships. The evaluator could also employ ratings scales to gauge your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a series questions. You may be asked if you are prone to forgetting appointments or how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators also ask people who know your child or you to fill out questionnaires regarding what they have observed. Adults might be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children might be required to complete questionnaires from coaches, teachers daycare workers, coaches, or nannies. Personal insight can uncover facts that cannot be gleaned from a survey.
The evaluators can also conduct cognitive tests to determine if learning or mental impairments contribute to your symptoms. They might also look for mood disorders like bipolar disorder or depression, or an underlying psychosis. They might even screen for underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or seizures.
A few evaluators will offer you or your children an ADHD screening test to determine the way you react to stimuli that are targeted and non-target. For instance the TOVA (Timed On-Only Visual Attention) is an FDA-cleared test that measures your ability to pay attention and recall geometric shapes. The examiner will look at the frequency with which you respond to non-targeted stimuli and the time it takes you to respond to target stimuli. This will help the evaluators identify which type of ADHD you have: Inattentive or impulsive.
Follow-up
Multiple mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD and offer ADHD evaluations. This could be a psychologist or psychiatrist as well as neurotherapist or psychotherapist. The doctor will want to know what your concerns are and how long the problems have been present for. He will also ask whether there is a family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70%-80% hereditary. Genes play an important role in whether your child or you will be affected.
The specialist will be interested in how your your child's ADHD affects your life such as at work, home and school. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in different environments since ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. To be eligible for an assessment of ADHD, your or your child must have at least six distinct signs of hyperactivity or inattention and an impulsiveness that hinder daily functioning for at least six months.
To aid the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis, he will need to rule out other conditions. These could include other psychiatric disorders including mood and anxiety disorders, intellectual disabilities and certain medical conditions that affect the brain, such as thyroid disorders. The doctor will also inquire about your child's or your own sleep habits and any injuries or accidents in the past that might have affected your child's or your own brain development.
The doctor will also determine whether the symptoms of ADHD in your child or you are connected to any health issues or medications you or your child take. The side effects of stimulant medication, such as those used to treat ADHD may include stomachaches and trouble sleeping. These side effects could also be caused by other medications such as sleep medications, antidepressants and a few sleep aids.
Finally, the expert will be required to determine if a comorbidity present this means that your child or you is suffering from a different condition that may cause symptoms of ADHD like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will review all of the data and determine an assessment.