Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with 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 doctor or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Contact your insurance company to determine if it covers ADHD evaluations for adult patients.
The Diagnosis Process
A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse will need to evaluate adults in order to determine the correct diagnosis. These are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in adults.
Usually, an initial assessment will begin with a thorough interview about your life and symptoms. The healthcare professional could also ask how long you have had symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also want to speak to your family member or close friend about your symptoms.
The evaluation process will also include questions about your childhood. Because current guidelines do not allow a physician to diagnose ADHD in adults without proof of the disorder's presence in childhood, the healthcare professional may wish to look at your school records or talk with teachers or other people who were with you as a child. They will also discuss whether you have had any other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
In certain situations, the evaluator will recommend cognitive testing for example, IQ tests or tests for learning or memory problems. They may also recommend that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out physical issues that may be causing your symptoms.
If a healthcare professional is confident that your symptoms are related to ADHD they will suggest additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. These tests will likely include blood and urine tests, a medical examination as well as educational or psychological testing.
The tests are designed to determine the levels of certain chemicals in your body that could be linked to ADHD like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They will also assess your heart rate and blood pressure. You could also receive the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They might also suggest an imaging scan of your brain to check for any functional or structural problems. In certain instances, the evaluator may recommend that you or your child be examined for other conditions that have 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 which can serve as a screening instrument before you make an appointment with a physician. These tests could alert you to the possibility that you have ADHD however an interview with a doctor is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
The process can last from between 2 and 3 hours. It includes a time spent explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it may influence their symptoms. The physician may also inquire about substance abuse or depression as these conditions 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. Additionally, the therapist will need to look over school records and interview teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they could also interview a spouse or family member. Personal insight can uncover information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires.
iampsychiatry.uk rush through this step or insist on only visiting a patient once instead of completing a full examination. This could lead to a doctor making an incorrect diagnosis. If the doctor is too fundamentalist about the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and stipulates that a patient has to show at least six symptoms for a diagnosis it's an indication of trouble.
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 evaluator then compares the scores with the checklist and evaluates for ADHD.
For some adults, it can be a relief to finally receive a diagnosis of ADHD. But the underlying emotions -such as guilt over not meeting expectations, or grief that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in life -- can be complicated. The impulsivity and inattention that are typical of ADHD can have a significant impact throughout a person's life, including relationships, work, and health.
The Tests
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and complicated process. It involves a lot paperwork, interviews, and tests. You can prepare by obtaining advice from trusted doctors, family members and friends. Research the specialist's credentials and make sure they're a good match for your requirements. It is important to locate a specialist that specializes in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that you or your child receives a precise diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with an evaluator. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how the symptoms affect your life and whether they affect work, school or relationships. The evaluator could also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are usually checklists where you or someone you know is asked a series of questions. For instance, you might be asked if it is common to miss appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators also ask those who know your child or you to fill out questionnaires regarding what they have observed. Adults could be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or children. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers, daycare workers, or parents. Personal insight can uncover information that cannot be gleaned from a survey.
Some evaluators may also perform cognitive tests to determine whether learning or mental impairments are contributing to your symptoms. They could also test for mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder and incipient psychosis, or substance abuse. They may also screen for medical conditions that are underlying like hypothyroidism or seizure disorders.
Some evaluators may give you or your children an ADHD screening test to measure how you respond both to target and nontarget stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test that has been approved by the FDA that measures your ability to pay close attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The test examines the frequency at which you respond to non-targeted stimuli and how long it takes for you to respond to target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine if you suffer from impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD.
The Follow-Up
A variety of mental health professionals can offer ADHD evaluations and provide a diagnosis. This could be psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapist, or neurologist. The doctor will want to be aware of your concerns and how long they have been present for. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70%-80% heritable. Genetics play a significant role in whether your child or you will suffer from symptoms.
The professional will want to know how your or your child's ADHD affects your life at home, work and at school. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in various situations because ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. In addition, to qualify for an assessment of ADHD the parent or child must display six or more documented signs of hyperactivity or inattention and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months.
To aid the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis, he will need to rule out other conditions. Other psychiatric issues, anxiety and mood disorders as well as intellectual disabilities may be included. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, for example thyroid issues, may also be considered. In addition, the doctor will inquire about your or your child's sleeping patterns as well as any previous accidents or injuries that could have affected the development of your or your child's brain.
The doctor will also examine whether the symptoms of ADHD in you or your children are connected to any health issues or medications you or your child are taking. For instance, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may cause side effects, such as stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. These side effects can be caused by other drugs, including sleep medications, antidepressants, and some sleep aids.
Finally, the doctor will need to determine if a comorbidity present, which means that your child or you is suffering from a different condition that may cause symptoms of ADHD like bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the information and make a diagnosis.