Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It explains why people have issues 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 adult patients.
Diagnosis Process
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse will need to assess adults in order to establish a correct diagnosis. These are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in adults.
A detailed interview about your symptoms and how you are feeling is usually the first step in the initial evaluation. The healthcare professional will want to know the length of time your symptoms have been present and how they affect you. They may ask you to speak to a close friend or family member about your symptoms.
The process of evaluation could also include questions regarding your childhood. The current guidelines do allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without evidence that the disorder existed in 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 will also discuss whether you have experienced any other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
In some cases, an evaluator may suggest cognitive tests, like IQ testing or assessments for learning or memory problems. They might also suggest other medical exams to rule out physical issues that might be creating your symptoms, for instance thyroid disorders or seizure problems.
If your healthcare provider is convinced that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, they will recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests may include blood and urine tests, a medical exam and, possibly, educational or psychological testing.
The tests are designed to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals in your body that could be related to ADHD like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They will also test your blood pressure and heart rate. You may also be offered a spirometry, which measures lung capacity. They may also suggest an imaging scan of the brain to determine if there are any functional or structural issues. In some instances your evaluator may suggest that you or your child be examined for any conditions that have similar symptoms with ADHD, like depression and anxiety or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are many ADHD questions and quizzes that can act as a screening tool before you schedule an appointment with a physician. 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 clinical interview and isn't rushed into prescribing drugs.
The process can last from 2 to 3 hours and includes a time spent explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it could influence their symptoms. The physician may also inquire about any history of 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. In addition, the clinician will be required to review school records and talk to teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they may also interview a spouse or family member. Personal experience can reveal information that is not possible to obtain through questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this process or insist on only seeing a patient once instead of completing a full examination. This can cause a doctor to make an incorrect diagnosis. This is a red-flag if the clinician is too rigid in their criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluator can ask adults to rate each symptom they see on an ADHD checklist and then give examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluator will then compare the scores with the checklist and assess for ADHD.
For certain adults, it may be a relief to finally receive a diagnosis of ADHD. The underlying emotions, such as guilt or sadness for not meeting expectations or that the disorder was not noticed until later in life, can be a bit complicated. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and lack of focus. These traits can have grave consequences in a variety of areas such as relationships as well as careers and health.
The Tests
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and confusing process. It requires a lot of paperwork as well as interviews and tests. The best way to prepare is to seek recommendations from family, friends and doctors you trust. You must also research the doctor and their professional credentials to make sure they're a good fit for your needs. It is important to find a specialist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that you or your child receives a precise diagnosis and the best treatment.
The first step in an ADHD assessment is an interview with the evaluator. The evaluation will ask questions about your child or you to gather information about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how the symptoms affect your life and if they interfere with work, school or relationships. The evaluator can also use rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. They typically consist of checklists that ask you or someone who is close to you to answer a series of questions. You may be asked if you frequently forget appointments or how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators also ask those who know you or your child to complete questionnaires on what they have observed. Adults might be asked to fill out questionnaires by their spouses or siblings. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers, daycare workers or parents. Personal experience can provide information that isn't possible to obtain through a questionnaire.
Certain evaluators might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disabilities are contributing to your symptoms. They might also look for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression, or an underlying psychosis. They might also test for underlying disorders like seizures and hypothyroidism.
Some evaluators may give you or your children an ADHD screening test to gauge the way you react to non-target and target stimuli. For instance, the TOVA (Timed On-Only Visual Attention) is an FDA-cleared computer-based test that tests your ability to pay attention and remember geometric shapes. The test examines the frequency at which you react to non-target stimuli, and how long it takes you to react to the stimulus you want to respond. This can help evaluators determine the type of ADHD you are whether you are inattentive or impulsive.
The Follow-Up
Several kinds of mental health professionals are able to offer ADHD assessments and provide an assessment. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist psychotherapist, neurologist, or psychotherapist. The doctor will want to be aware of your concerns and how long the problems have been occurring. The specialist will also ask whether there is a family history of ADHD. It is believed that the disorder is about 70%-80 percent inheritable and that genes are a major factor in determining whether you or your child is likely to suffer symptoms.
He will ask about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, at school and at work. He will inquire about your your child's behavior in various settings, because the symptoms of ADHD are different when they are encountered in different situations. To be diagnosed with getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult , you or your child need to have at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that affects the daily activities. The symptoms must last for at minimum for six months.
To determine the correct diagnosis, the doctor must rule out other conditions out. These could include psychiatric conditions that are not listed above including anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities and certain medical conditions that affect the brain, such as thyroid disorders. The specialist will also ask about your child or yourself's sleep habits and any accidents or injuries in the past that might have affected your child's or yourself's brain development.
The doctor will also examine whether the signs of ADHD in your child or you are related to any health conditions or medications you or your child take. For instance, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can sometimes cause side effects such as stomachaches and insomnia. These side effects can be caused by other medications such as sleep medications, antidepressants and a few sleep aids.
Finally, the doctor will determine if a comorbidity present, which means that you or your child is suffering from a different condition that may cause symptoms of ADHD for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will examine all of the information and make the diagnosis.