Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a life changing experience. This is why some people struggle with things such as staying focused in their work, following directions and remaining organized.
Ask your family doctor or therapist for a referral to an expert. Check with your insurance company to determine if it covers ADHD evaluations for adults.
Diagnosis Process
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse is required to examine adults to make a proper diagnosis. These are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in adults.
Often, an initial assessment will begin with a detailed interview about your life and symptoms. The healthcare professional could also inquire about how long you have had symptoms and how they are affecting you. They might also suggest that you talk to an immediate family member or friend about your symptoms.
The evaluation process may also include questions regarding your childhood. The current guidelines do allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without proving that the disorder existed in the early years of childhood. Therefore the healthcare professional will need to review your school records and talk to people who knew you as a child. They'll also ask if you have had any other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
In some instances, an evaluator may suggest cognitive tests such as IQ testing or tests for memory or learning problems. They may also recommend that you take other kinds of medical tests to rule out any physical issues that may cause your symptoms.
If a healthcare professional is convinced that your symptoms are related to ADHD They will suggest further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests may include urine and blood tests as well as a medical examination and possibly educational or psychological tests.
The tests are used to measure the levels of certain chemicals in your body that could be associated with ADHD, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They will also test your heart rate and blood pressure. You could also receive a spirometry, which measures lung capacity. They might also suggest a brain imaging scan to look for functional or structural problems. In certain instances your evaluator could suggest that you or your child be evaluated for any conditions that have similar symptoms with ADHD such as depression and anxiety or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are plenty of ADHD quizzes and questionnaires that can act as a screening tool before you schedule an appointment with your doctor. These tests can be helpful in alerting you to the possibility of ADHD however the only way to receive a diagnosis is with an experienced medical professional who conducts a thorough medical interview and isn't rushed into prescribing medication.
The process can take between 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient about ADHD and its possible effects on their symptoms. It could also involve the doctor asking about a past history of depression or substance abuse since these conditions 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. The clinician will also want to examine the patient's school records as well as talk to teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they may also interview a spouse or a family member. Personal experience can reveal information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires.
Some doctors are rushed and do not complete this step, or they might insist on seeing a patient just once, instead of conducting a full assessment. This could lead to a confusion about the diagnosis. If the clinician is too rigid about the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and states that a patient must display at least six symptoms to be diagnosed it's a red flag.
The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist, and then provide examples of how these afflictions have affected their lives. The evaluation will then compare the ratings with the checklist and assess for ADHD.
It's often a relief for some adults to finally get an ADHD diagnosis. However, the emotions that accompany it -like guilt for failing to live up to expectations, or the grief that the disorder wasn't discovered until later in life- can be complicated. ADHD is characterised by impulsivity and lack of attention. These traits can lead to grave consequences in a variety of areas such as relationships work, health, and careers.
The Tests
It can be challenging and confusing to get an ADHD diagnosis. It involves a lot of paperwork, interviews and tests. The best way to prepare is to get recommendations from family, friends and doctors you are confident with. You should also research the specialist and their professional credentials to ensure they're a good fit for your needs. It is crucial to find a specialist that specializes in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that your child or you receives an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
An interview with an evaluater is the initial step in an ADHD evaluation. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how your symptoms impact your life and whether they interfere with school, work or relationships. The evaluator could also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a series of questions. You may be asked if you often forget appointments or how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators also solicit people who know you or your child well to fill out questionnaires based on their observations of your behavior. Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children might be required to complete questionnaires by teachers, coaches daycare workers, coaches or the nannies. Personal experience can provide information that isn't possible to obtain from a questionnaire.
Some evaluators will also perform cognitive tests to determine whether learning or intellectual impairments contribute to your symptoms. They may also screen for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or an underlying psychosis. They could also test for medical conditions that are underlying like hypothyroidism or seizure disorders.
Some evaluators will provide you or your child an ADHD screening test that tests how you respond to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computer-based test cleared by the FDA that tests your ability to pay attention to detail and recall a variety of geometric shapes. The evaluator will examine the frequency with which you respond to non-target stimuli, and the time it takes you to respond to target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine whether you have an impulsive ADHD or inattentional ADHD.
Follow-up
Multiple mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD and provide ADHD evaluations. This can be a psychiatrist or psychologist, neurotherapist or psychotherapist. The specialist will inquire about what your concerns are, and how long these problems have been happening. He will also ask if there any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70%-80% hereditary. Genes play an important influence on whether your child or you will experience symptoms.
The expert will want to know how your or your child's ADHD affects your daily life at home, work and at school. He will ask about your your child's behavior in different settings, because the symptoms of ADHD are different when they are encountered in different environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD either you or your child require six or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that interferes with everyday functioning. This must last at least six months.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will have to rule other conditions out. These could include other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities and medical conditions that affect the brain, such as thyroid disorders. In addition, the doctor will inquire about your child's sleeping patterns and any previous accidents or injuries that could have affected the development of your child's brain.
He will also consider whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are related to any other health conditions or medications you or your child is taking. The adverse effects of stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can include stomachaches and trouble sleeping. These side effects could also be caused by other medications like antidepressants, sleep medications, and some sleep aids.
The expert will also need to determine if there is an underlying comorbidity. This means you or your child might have another condition that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will go through all the information and determine an assessment.