Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It explains why some people struggle with staying in control in their work, following directions or staying focused.
Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to an expert. Check with your insurance company to determine if it covers ADHD evaluations for adults.
The Diagnosis Process
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse is required to examine adults to make a proper diagnosis. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
An in-depth interview about you and your symptoms is usually the first step in a preliminary assessment. The healthcare professional may be able to inquire about the length of time you've had symptoms and how they impact you. They might also suggest that you talk to an immediate family member or friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluating you may include questions regarding your childhood. Since current guidelines don't allow a doctor to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, the healthcare professional might be able to examine your school records or talk with teachers or other individuals who knew you as a child. They will also ask whether you've had any mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In certain instances an evaluator could recommend cognitive tests, like IQ testing or tests for learning or memory problems. They may also suggest that you take other kinds of medical tests to rule out physical ailments that could cause your symptoms.
If your healthcare professional is convinced that your symptoms are caused by ADHD they might suggest additional diagnostic tests to confirm and determine the severity of the condition. These tests may include urine and blood tests as well as a medical examination and even psychological or educational testing.
Tests are used to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD in your body, for example dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They will also examine your heart rate and blood pressure. You may also be given the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They might also suggest a brain imaging scan to look for structural or functional abnormalities. In certain instances your evaluator may suggest that you or your child be evaluated for disorders that have similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are a variety of ADHD tests and quizzes that can be used 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 get a diagnosis is through an expert medical professional who conducts a thorough interview and does not rush into prescribing drugs.
The process could last between 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient the concept of ADHD and the possible impact it has on their symptoms. The clinician may also ask about any history of substance abuse or depression as these problems can co-occur along 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 patient's school records as well as talk to teachers. If the patient is an adult, a spouse or family members could also be questioned. Personal insight can reveal facts that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this step or insist on only seeing a patient one time instead of conducting a thorough assessment. This could lead to a confusion about the diagnosis. If a doctor is too rigid about the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and stipulates that a patient must display more than six symptoms in order to receive a diagnosis it's a red flag.
For adults, the evaluator may request the patient to fill out scores for each symptom on an ADHD checklist and give examples of how these symptoms have impacted his or her life. The evaluator compares the scores to the checklist and assesses for ADHD.
For some adults, it can be a relief to finally be diagnosed with ADHD. However, the underlying emotionslike guilt for not living up to expectations, or regret that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in life- can be complicated. The inattention and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD can have severe implications in a variety of areas of the life of a person, including relationships, career, and health.
The Tests
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and confusing process. It requires a lot of paperwork, interviews, and tests. You can prepare by obtaining recommendations from trusted doctors, family members and friends. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure that they are a match for your requirements. It is essential to find an expert who is specialized in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that your child or you receives an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment.
The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with an assessor. The assessor will ask questions of your child or yourself to collect information about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how the symptoms affect your life and if they impact work, school or relationships. The evaluator can also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are usually checklists where you or someone you know is asked a set of questions. For instance, you might be asked if you frequently forget appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators also request 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 by coaches, teachers, daycare workers or nannies. Personal insights can provide information that isn't possible to obtain through a questionnaire.
A few evaluators may also conduct cognitive tests to determine whether learning or intellectual impairments contribute to your symptoms. They might also look for mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder or incipient psychosis. They could also test for underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or seizures.
Some evaluators will give your child or you an ADHD screening test that measures the way you react to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test cleared by the FDA that measures your ability to pay attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The examiner will assess how often you respond to non-target stimuli, and the length of time it takes to respond to the stimuli you are targeting. This will help the evaluators identify which type of ADHD you are either Inattentive or impulsive.
The Follow-Up
Multiple mental health professionals are able to diagnose ADHD and offer ADHD evaluations. This can include a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or neurologist. diagnosis for adhd in adults will want to know what your concerns are and how long they have been occurring. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. It is believed that the disorder is about 70%-80% heritable and that genes are a major factor in determining whether you or your child will suffer from symptoms.
The expert will be interested in knowing how your your child's ADHD affects your daily life, including home, work and at school. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in different environments because ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. In addition, to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD the parent or child must have six or more established symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and the impulsivity that affect daily functioning for a minimum of 6 months.
To make a correct diagnosis, the specialist must rule out other conditions out. Other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, such as thyroid issues, should also be considered. In addition, the doctor 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 child's brain.
He will also take into consideration whether your your child's ADHD symptoms are linked to any other health conditions or medications that you or your child are taking. For example, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can sometimes cause side effects, such as stomachaches and insomnia. These side effects can also be caused by other medications, including sleep medications, antidepressants, and a few sleep aids.
The expert will also need to determine if there's a comorbidity. This means that you or your child might have another condition that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This can include bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will review the information and determine a diagnosis.