Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. This is why some people struggle with things such as staying focused on their task, following directions and staying organized.
Ask your family physician or therapy provider to refer you an expert. Check with your insurance company to determine if they cover ADHD evaluations for adult patients.
Diagnosis Process
A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse is required to evaluate adults in order to determine the correct diagnosis. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
Often, an initial assessment will begin with a thorough interview about your life and symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults might be able to inquire about the length of time you have had symptoms and how they are affecting you. They may ask you to speak with a close family member or friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluation will also involve questions about your childhood. Since current guidelines don't permit a doctor to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, your healthcare provider might want to review your school records or talk to teachers or other people who were with you as a child. They'll also ask if you have had any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
In some cases an evaluator might 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 could be creating your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
If your doctor is certain that your symptoms are caused by ADHD They may suggest additional tests to confirm and determine the severity of the condition. These tests may include blood and urine testing as well as a medical examination and perhaps educational or psychological testing.
Tests are conducted to measure levels of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD in your body, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They will also check your blood pressure and heart rate. You could also receive the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They may also suggest a brain imaging scan to determine if there are any functional or structural issues. In some instances, the evaluator may suggest that you or your child be evaluated for other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are plenty of ADHD questions and quizzes which can serve as a screening instrument before you make an appointment with a doctor. These tests could alert you to the possibility that you have ADHD however the clinical interview with your doctor is the only method to confirm the diagnosis.
This process could take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours and includes a time spent explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it might influence their symptoms. The clinician may also ask about a history or depression or substance abuse 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. The psychologist or psychiatrist will also need to look over the patient's school records as well as speak with teachers. If the patient is an adult or spouse, a family member might also be interviewed. Personal insight can provide details that are not available through questionnaires.
Some doctors are overloaded and do not complete this step, or they might insist on seeing a patient only once, instead of conducting a full assessment. This can lead to misdiagnosis. If a doctor is too fundamentalist about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and insists that a patient needs to display more than six symptoms in order to receive a diagnosis, that's an indication of trouble.
For adults, the evaluator might request that the patient complete ratings for each symptom on an ADHD checklist and give examples of how these symptoms have impacted their lives. The evaluator will then compare the ratings against the checklist and evaluate for ADHD.
It can be a relief for some adults to finally get an ADHD diagnosis. The deep-seated emotions, such as guilt or grief for not achieving expectations or that the disorder was not recognized until later in life, can be complex. ADHD is defined by impulsivity and a lack of concentration. These traits can lead to grave consequences in a variety of areas including relationships as well as careers and health.
The Tests
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and confusing process. It requires a lot of paperwork and interviews as well as tests. The best method to prepare is to seek recommendations from family, friends and doctors you trust. Examine the credentials of the doctor and make sure they are a match for your requirements. It is essential to find a professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This is to ensure you or your child receives an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
An interview with the evaluater is the initial step in an ADHD evaluation. The evaluator might ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator would like to know how your symptoms affect your life and whether they affect work, school or relationships. The evaluator might also employ rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. These usually consist of checklists that ask you or someone around you to answer a series of questions. For example, you might be asked if you often miss appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators also request those who know you or your child well to complete questionnaires based on their observations of your behavior. For adults, this could be spouses or siblings; for children, it might be teachers, coaches, nannies or daycare workers. Personal insight can reveal facts that cannot be gleaned from a survey.
Some evaluators will also perform cognitive tests to determine whether intellectual or learning disabilities are contributing to your symptoms. They may also screen for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, or an underlying psychosis. They could also test for underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and seizures.
A few evaluators will offer you or your children an ADHD screening test to determine your response to non-target and target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test that has been approved by the FDA that evaluates your capacity to pay attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The evaluator will examine the frequency at which you respond to non-target stimuli, and how long it takes you to respond to targeted stimuli. This will help the evaluators identify the type of ADHD you are: inattentive or impulsive.
The Follow-Up
Multiple mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD and provide ADHD evaluations. This can be a psychologist or psychiatrist, neurotherapist or psychotherapist. The specialist will inquire about what the issues you are facing and how long the issues have been happening. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be between 70 and 80 percent hereditary. Genes play a major influence on whether your child or you will experience symptoms.
The expert will be interested in knowing how your 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 different environments because ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. In addition, to be eligible for an assessment of ADHD the parent or child must exhibit at least six distinct signs of hyperactivity or inattention and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months.
To help the specialist make an accurate diagnosis, they must rule out other conditions. Other psychiatric issues, mood and anxiety disorders and intellectual disabilities could be a factor. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, like thyroid issues, may be considered. In addition, the doctor will inquire about your or your child's sleeping patterns and any accidents or injuries that may have affected the development of 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. The side effects of stimulant medication such as those used to treat ADHD, can include stomachaches as well as difficulty sleeping. Other medications, like antidepressants and certain sleep medications, can also have these side effects.
The expert will be required to determine if a comorbidity is present this means that you or your child is suffering from a different condition that may cause symptoms of ADHD for example, bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will look over the information and make a diagnosis.