Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a life altering experience. This is why some people struggle with things like staying focused in their work, following directions and remaining organized.
Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to an expert. Contact your insurance provider to determine if they cover ADHD evaluations for adult patients.
Diagnosis Process
For adults, a proper diagnosis will require an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
Usually, an initial assessment will start with a thorough interview about your lifestyle and symptoms. The healthcare professional will also be interested in knowing the length of time your symptoms have been present and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask to speak to a family member or close friend about your symptoms.
The evaluation process may also include questions regarding your childhood. Current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without proving that the disorder existed during childhood. Therefore the healthcare professional will want to review your school records and talk to people who knew you as in your early years. They may also inquire if you have experienced any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In some instances an evaluator might suggest cognitive tests like IQ testing or tests for memory or learning problems. They may also recommend that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out physical issues that may cause your symptoms.
If a healthcare professional believes that your symptoms are related to ADHD, they will recommend further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests may include blood and urine tests, a medical examination as well as educational or psychological testing.
The tests will be used to determine the levels of certain chemicals within your body that could be associated with ADHD like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They will also test your heart rate and blood pressure. They may also give you the spirometry test which evaluates the capacity of your lungs. They may also recommend that you undergo a brain scan to check for structural or functional abnormalities. In some instances the evaluator might suggest that you or your child be evaluated for other conditions that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression and anxiety, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are many ADHD tests and quizzes that you can use as a screening tool prior to scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can be helpful in identifying the possibility of ADHD however the only way to make a diagnosis is with a medical professional who conducts a thorough medical interview and isn't rushed into prescribing drugs.
The process can last from about 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it might affect their symptoms. It could also include the doctor asking about a past history of depression or abuse of substances, as those problems are often co-occurring 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 student'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 reveal details that are not available through questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this step or insist on visiting a patient once rather than completing a complete assessment. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis. This is a red-flag if the clinician is not adamant about the criteria to diagnose ADHD.
For adults, the evaluator might ask the patient to complete scores for each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then provide examples of how these symptoms have affected his or her life. The evaluator will then compare the scores with the checklist and assesses for ADHD.
For some adults, it can be a relief to be diagnosed with ADHD. However, the emotions that accompany it -- such as guilt for not living up to expectations, or the grief that the disorder wasn't discovered until later in life- can be complicated. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and lack of concentration. These traits can lead to serious consequences in many areas, including relationships, careers, and health.
The Tests
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and complicated process. It involves a lot paperwork and interviews as well as tests. It is possible to prepare by obtaining recommendations from trusted doctors, family members and friends. You should also research the physician and their qualifications to ensure they're a good fit to your needs. It is important to find a doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that your child or you receives a precise diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
An interview with an evaluator is the first step in an ADHD assessment. The assessor will ask questions of your child or you to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how the symptoms affect you and whether they affect your work, school or your relationships. The evaluator can also use rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. They typically comprise 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 you might be asked how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators will also request people who know you and your child well to fill in questionnaires based on their observations of your behavior. Adults might be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers, daycare workers or parents. Personal insight can reveal information that is not possible to gather from a questionnaire.
Some evaluators will also perform cognitive testing to see if learning or intellectual disabilities are contributing to your symptoms. They might also screen for mood disorders like bipolar disorder or depression and incipient psychosis, or substance abuse. They may even screen for underlying conditions like seizures and hypothyroidism.
Some evaluators will provide your child or you an ADHD screening test that measures how you respond to targeted and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test approved by the FDA that tests your ability to pay attention to detail and remember a number of geometric shapes. The evaluator will examine how often you respond non-targeted stimuli and the time it takes you to respond to targeted stimuli. This can help evaluators determine which type of ADHD you have whether you are inattentive or impulsive.
The Follow-Up
Several kinds of mental health professionals are able to provide ADHD evaluations and provide an assessment. This can include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapist, or neurologist. The specialist will inquire about what your concerns are and how long these problems have been happening. The specialist will also ask whether there is a family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70%-80% hereditary. Genetics play a significant factor in determining if your child or you will experience symptoms.
He will inquire about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, school, and work. He will inquire with you or your child about their behavior in various environments because ADHD symptoms are different in different situations. In addition, to be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD you or your child must have six or more established symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning for at least six months.
To make a correct diagnosis, the specialist must rule out other conditions out. Other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, such as thyroid problems, can be a possibility. In addition, the doctor will inquire 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.
The doctor will also consider whether the symptoms of ADHD in your child or you are caused by any health condition or medications you or your child are taking. The side effects of stimulant medication, such as those used to treat ADHD can include stomachaches and trouble sleeping. These side effects can also be caused by other drugs, including sleep medications, antidepressants, and a few sleep aids.
adhd diagnoses will also need to determine whether there is a comorbidity. This means that you or your child might have a different condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will look over the information and determine an assessment.