Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It is the reason why people struggle with things like staying focused on their task, following directions and staying organized.
Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Check with your insurance company to determine if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults.
Diagnosis Process
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse will be required to examine adults to establish a correct diagnosis. They are the only healthcare professionals who can identify ADHD in adults.
A typical initial evaluation will start with a thorough interview about your life and the symptoms. The healthcare professional will be looking to determine the length of time your symptoms have been a problem and how they impact you. They might also suggest that you speak to a family member or close friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluating you may include questions about your childhood. Since current guidelines don't allow a doctor 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 with teachers or other people who knew you as a child. They may also inquire if you have had any other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
In some cases the evaluator might recommend cognitive testing for example, IQ tests or assessments 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 be causing your symptoms.
If the healthcare professional believes that your symptoms are caused by ADHD they will suggest additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. These tests could include urine and blood tests and a medical exam and even psychological or educational testing.
The tests are used to determine the levels of certain chemicals within your body that could be linked to ADHD like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They will also check your blood pressure and heart rate. You may also be given a spirometry, which measures lung capacity. They may also recommend that you undergo a brain scan to check for structural or functional abnormalities. In certain instances, your evaluator might suggest that you or your child be tested for any conditions that have similar symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are many ADHD questions and tests that can be used to test your knowledge, prior to scheduling an appointment with your physician. These tests can be helpful in identifying the possibility of ADHD however the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to consult an experienced medical professional who conducts a thorough interview and isn't rushed into prescribing drugs.
The process can take between 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient the concept of ADHD and the possible effects on their symptoms. It may also include the doctor asking about a history of substance abuse or depression, 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. The clinician will also want to review the student's school records and speak with teachers. If the patient is an adult or spouse, a family member could also be interviewed. Personal insight can uncover facts that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this step or insist on seeing a patient once instead of completing a full examination. This can lead a doctor to make an incorrect diagnosis. If the doctor is too fundamentalist about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and insists that a patient must display more than six symptoms in order for a diagnosis this is an indication of trouble.
The evaluator could ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then give 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 a great feeling for some adults to finally receive an ADHD diagnosis. But the underlying emotions -- such as guilt for not living up to expectations, or regret that the disorder was not discovered until later in life -it can be a challenge. The impulsivity and inattention that are characteristic of ADHD can have serious implications throughout a person's life, including relationships, career, and health.
The Tests
It can be a challenge and confusing to get an ADHD diagnosis. It involves a lot paperwork, interviews, and tests. It is possible to prepare by obtaining recommendations from reliable doctors, family members and friends. You must also research the doctor and their professional qualifications to ensure 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.
An interview with the evaluator is the first step in an ADHD evaluation. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator would like to know how symptoms affect you and whether they interfere with your schoolwork, work or social relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a series questions. For instance, you might be asked if you frequently miss appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators also ask people who know your child or you to fill out questionnaires about what they have observed. Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children may be required to complete questionnaires from coaches, teachers daycare workers, coaches, or the nannies. Personal insight can uncover facts that cannot be gleaned from a questionnaire.
Certain evaluators might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disabilities contribute to your symptoms. They may also test for mood disorders like bipolar disorder or depression, incipient psychosis or substance abuse. They could also screen for underlying disorders like hypothyroidism and seizure disorders.
Certain evaluators will offer you or your child an ADHD screening test that evaluates how you respond to targeted and non-target stimuli. For instance the TOVA (Timed On-Only Visual Attention) is an FDA-approved computer-based test that tests your ability to pay attention and remember a series of geometric shapes. The test examines the frequency at which you respond to non-targeted stimuli, as well as how long it takes to respond to the target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine which type of ADHD you have either inattentive or impulsive.
The Follow-Up
Several kinds of mental health professionals can provide ADHD evaluations and make an assessment. It could be a psychiatrist or psychologist, psychologist or neurologist. The doctor will want to know the cause of your concern and how long the problems have been present for. He will also ask if there is a family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70-80 percent heritable. Genes play a major influence on whether your child or you suffer from symptoms.
The specialist will be interested in knowing how your or your child's ADHD impacts your daily life such as at work, home and at school. He will inquire with you or your child about their behavior in various environments because ADHD symptoms differ in different settings. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you or your child need to have at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning. This must last at least six months.
To determine the correct diagnosis, the doctor will need to rule other conditions out. Other psychiatric issues, anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, such as thyroid issues, should also be considered. In addition, the specialist will ask about your or your child's sleeping patterns as well as any accidents or injuries that could have affected the development of your or your child's brain.
He will also take into consideration whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are related to any other health condition or medications that you or your child takes. adhd diagnosis adults uk of stimulant medications, such as those used to treat ADHD may include stomachaches as well as difficulty sleeping. These side effects could also be caused by other drugs, including antidepressants, sleep medications, and a few sleep aids.
The expert will determine if a comorbidity is present which means that your child or you has another condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will go through all the data and make a diagnosis.