Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. It is the reason why some people have difficulty staying organized and following directions, or staying focused.
Ask your family physician or therapist to refer you to an expert. Also, check with your insurance to determine if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults.
Diagnosis Process
For adults, a valid diagnosis will require an evaluation by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. These are the only healthcare providers who are able to determine the presence of ADHD among adults.
A thorough interview with your symptoms and how you are feeling is often the first step in an initial evaluation. The healthcare professional will want to know the length of time your symptoms have been present and how they impact you. They might also suggest that you speak to an immediate family member or friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluation will also include questions regarding your childhood. Current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without any evidence that the disorder existed in the early years of childhood. Therefore, the healthcare professional will need to look over your school records and talk to people who knew you when you were in your early years. They may also inquire if you have had any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In some cases an evaluator might suggest cognitive tests such as IQ testing or tests for memory or learning problems. They may also recommend other medical exams to rule out physical ailments that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
If your healthcare provider is convinced that your symptoms are caused by ADHD They may suggest additional diagnostic tests to verify and determine the severity of the condition. These tests could include urine and blood tests, a medical exam, and even psychological or educational tests.
Tests are conducted to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals that may be associated with ADHD in your body, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They will also test your heart rate and blood pressure. They might also suggest a the spirometry test which evaluates the capacity of your lungs. They may also suggest an imaging scan of your brain to look for functional or structural problems. In some cases, the evaluator may suggest that you or your child be evaluated for other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms similar to ADHD such as depression and anxiety, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are a variety of ADHD tests and questionnaires that can act as a screening instrument 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 expert medical professional who conducts a thorough interview and isn't rushed into prescribing medication.
The process can take between 2 and 3 hours. It involves explaining to the patient about ADHD and the possible impact it has on their symptoms. The doctor may also inquire about a history or addiction to drugs or depression since 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 clinician will also want to review the student's school records and speak with teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they could also interview a spouse or a family member. Personal insight can reveal information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this process or insist on only visiting a patient once instead of completing a full examination. This could lead doctors to make a wrong diagnosis. If a doctor is too firmly rooted in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and stipulates that a patient needs to display six or more symptoms to receive a diagnosis this is an indication of trouble.
For adults, the evaluator may request the patient to fill out ratings for each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then provide examples of how the symptoms have impacted the patient's life. The evaluator compares the scores with the checklist and assesses for ADHD.
It's often a relief for some adults to get an ADHD diagnosis. However, the emotions that accompany it -- such as guilt for failing to live up to expectations, or the grief that the disorder was not noticed until later in life -- can be complicated. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and a lack of attention. These traits can lead to grave consequences in a variety of areas including relationships work, health, and careers.
The Tests
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and confusing process. It involves lots of paperwork as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. You can prepare by obtaining advice from reliable doctors, family members and friends. Examine the credentials of the doctor and ensure that they're a good match for your needs. It is important to locate an expert who is specialized in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that your child or you receives a precise diagnosis and the best treatment.
The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with an evaluation expert. The evaluation will ask questions about your child or yourself to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how symptoms affect you and if they affect your schoolwork, work or your relationships. The evaluator could also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. They usually consist of checklists that ask you or someone who is close to you a series of questions. For instance, you could be asked if it is common to forget appointments, or be asked how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators also request people who know you and your child well to fill out questionnaires regarding their observations of your behavior. For adults, this could include spouses or children and for children, it could be coaches, teachers and nannies, or daycare workers. Personal insight can reveal information that is not possible to obtain through a questionnaire.
A few evaluators may also conduct cognitive tests to determine whether intellectual or learning disabilities contribute to your symptoms. They may also test for mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder as well as for signs of psychosis in the early stages or drug abuse. They might even screen for medical conditions that are underlying such as hypothyroidism or seizures.
A few evaluators will offer you or your children an ADHD screening test to gauge how you respond both to non-target and target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computer-based test cleared by the FDA that measures your ability to pay attention to detail and retain a variety of geometric shapes. adult adhd diagnosis uk examines the frequency at which you respond to non-target stimuli, and how long it takes you to react to the target stimuli. This can help evaluaters determine which type of ADHD you are either impulsive or inattentive.
The Follow-Up
Multiple mental health professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD and offer ADHD evaluations. This can include psychologists, psychiatrists psychotherapist, neurologist or. The specialist will ask you what the issues you are facing and how long the issues have been occurring for. He will also ask if there is a family history of ADHD. It is thought that the disorder is about 70% to 80 percent inheritable and that genetics play a significant role in determining whether you or your child will have symptoms.
The specialist will be interested in how your or your child's ADHD impacts your daily life, including home, work, and school. He will ask about your your child's behavior in different environments, since the signs of ADHD are different when they occur in different environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD you or your child require at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that hinders daily functioning. This must last at minimum six months.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must rule out other conditions out. Other psychiatric issues, anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities could be a factor. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, like thyroid problems, can be a possibility. In addition, the doctor will ask about your or your child's sleeping patterns as well as any previous accidents or injuries that may have affected the development of your or your child's brain.
He will also consider whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are connected to any other health conditions or medications that you or your child is taking. Side effects of stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can include stomachaches and trouble sleeping. Other drugs, such as antidepressants and some sleep medicines may also cause these side effects.
The specialist will also need to determine if there's a comorbidity, which means you or your child could have another condition that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This can include bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the information and make an assessment.