Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a life changing experience. It is the reason why people have issues like staying focused on their task, following directions and staying organized.
Ask your family physician or therapist to refer you to an expert. Contact your insurance provider to see if it covers ADHD evaluations for adult patients.
Diagnosis Process
A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse is required to evaluate adults in order to determine the correct diagnosis. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
Often, an initial assessment will begin with a detailed interview about your life and symptoms. The healthcare professional may be able to inquire about the length of time you've had symptoms and how they are affecting you. They might suggest that you speak with a close friend or family member about your symptoms.
The evaluation process will also include questions regarding your childhood. Current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without any evidence that the disorder was present during childhood. So the healthcare professional will need to review your school records and speak to those who knew you as in your early years. They will also ask if you have ever had any mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
In certain instances the evaluator might recommend cognitive testing, such as IQ tests or assessments for memory or learning issues. They may also suggest that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out physical ailments that could be causing your symptoms.
If a healthcare professional believes that your symptoms are due to ADHD They will suggest additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests may include blood and urine testing, a medical exam, and perhaps educational or psychological testing.
The tests are designed to determine the levels of certain chemicals in your body that might be linked to ADHD like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They will also assess your heart rate and blood pressure. They might also suggest a the spirometry test which will measure the lung capacity of your. They might also suggest that you undergo an MRI of your brain to check for functional or structural issues. In check this site out could suggest that you or a child be examined for conditions that share similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are numerous ADHD questions and tests that you can use to test your knowledge, before scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can alert you to the possibility that you may have ADHD however the clinical interview with your doctor is the only method to confirm the diagnosis.
The process could last between 2 to 3 hours. It includes educating the patient the concept of ADHD and the possible effects on their symptoms. The clinician may also ask about any history of depression or substance abuse as these issues can co-occur 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. The doctor will also want to examine the patient's school records and discuss the situation with teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they might also interview a spouse or family member. Personal insight can uncover details that aren't possible to obtain from questionnaires.
Some doctors are in a rush and don't bother with this step or they may insist on seeing a patient just one time, rather than carrying out a full examination. This can lead to a doctor making an incorrect diagnosis. This is a red-flag in the event that the physician is not adamant 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 will then compare the ratings with the checklist and assess for ADHD.
For some adults, it could be a relief to be diagnosed with ADHD. But the underlying emotions -- such as guilt for not living up to expectations, or regret that the disorder wasn't discovered until later in lifeare often complicated. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and lack of attention. These traits can have negative consequences in a variety of fields, including relationships as well as careers and health.
The Tests
It can be challenging and confusing to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. It involves many forms as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. It is possible to prepare by obtaining advice from reliable doctors, family members and friends. You must also research the doctor and their credentials to ensure they're a good match to your needs. It is important to find a professional who is specialized in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that you or your child receives an accurate assessment and the best treatment possible.
An interview with an evaluation expert is the first step in an ADHD evaluation. The evaluator will ask you or your child questions to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how the symptoms impact your life and if they impact school, work or relationships. The evaluator can also use rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. These usually consist of checklists that ask you or someone around you to answer a series of questions. For instance, you could be asked if it is common to miss appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators also request people who are familiar with you or your child to fill out questionnaires about what they have observed. For adults, this could include spouses and siblings for children. It might be teachers, coaches, nannies or daycare workers. Personal insight can provide information that isn't possible to obtain through a questionnaire.
A few evaluators may also conduct cognitive testing to see if learning or intellectual disabilities contribute to your symptoms. They may also test for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression and incipient psychosis, or substance abuse. They may also screen for medical conditions that are underlying such as hypothyroidism and seizure disorders.
Certain evaluators will offer you or your child an ADHD screening test that evaluates how you respond to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test cleared by the FDA that evaluates your capacity to pay attention to detail and remember a number of geometric shapes. The examiner will look at how often you respond non-targeted stimuli and the time it takes you to respond to target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine if you suffer from an impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD.
Follow-up
Multiple mental health professionals are able to diagnose ADHD and offer ADHD evaluations. This can include psychologists, psychiatrists psychotherapist, neurologist, or psychotherapist. The specialist will want to know what your concerns are and how long they have been recurring for. He will also ask whether there any family history of ADHD. It is thought that the disorder is 70%-80 percent inheritable and that genetics are a major factor in determining whether you or your child is likely to suffer symptoms.
He will inquire about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, at school and at work. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in various situations since ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. In addition, to qualify for an assessment of ADHD you or your child must exhibit six or more documented signs of inattention or hyperactivity and the impulsivity that affect daily functioning for a minimum of 6 months.
To aid the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis, he will need to rule out any other conditions. These may include psychiatric conditions that are not listed above, anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities and medical conditions that affect the brain, such as thyroid disorders. In addition, the doctor will ask about your or your child's sleep patterns and any previous injuries or accidents that might have affected the development of your or your child's brain.
He will also consider whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are linked to any other health condition or medications that you or your child is taking. Side effects of stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD, can include stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. Other medications, including antidepressants as well as some sleep medications are also prone to these side effects.
The expert will determine if a comorbidity present this means that your child or you is suffering from a different condition that may cause symptoms of ADHD for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the information and make an assessment.