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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can transform your life. It explains why people struggle with issues such as staying focused on their task, following directions and staying organized. Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Also, contact your insurance provider to see if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults. Diagnosis Process A psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse will be required to evaluate adults in order to make a proper diagnosis. They are the only healthcare providers who are able to identify ADHD among adults. An in-depth interview about your symptoms and how you are feeling is usually the first step in an initial evaluation. The healthcare professional might also ask how long you've been suffering from symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also suggest that you talk to an immediate family member or friend about your symptoms. The process of evaluation will also include questions about your childhood. Because current guidelines do not permit a doctor to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, your healthcare provider may wish to look at your school records or talk to teachers or other individuals who were with you as a child. They'll also ask if you have had any other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. In some cases an evaluator might suggest cognitive tests, like IQ tests or assessments for memory or learning problems. They may also suggest that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out any physical ailments that could cause your symptoms. If your healthcare provider is certain that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, they may recommend additional diagnostic tests to verify and determine the severity of the condition. These tests could include urine and blood tests, medical examinations as well as psychological or educational testing. Tests are used to determine the levels of specific chemicals that may be associated with ADHD in your body, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. They will also test your heart rate and blood pressure. You may also be offered an spirometry test, which measures lung capacity. They may also recommend an imaging scan of the brain to look for functional or structural problems. In certain instances the evaluator could suggest that you or your child be tested for other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms similar 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 before making an appointment with your doctor. These tests can be useful in identifying the possibility of ADHD however the only way to receive a diagnosis is through an experienced medical professional who conducts a thorough medical interview and isn't rushed into prescribing medications. This process can take 2 to 3 hours and includes time explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it could influence their symptoms. It may also include the doctor seeking out a history of depression or substance abuse, as those problems may co-exist 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 examine the patient's school records as well as speak with teachers. If the patient is an adult, a spouse or family member might also be questioned. Personal experience can reveal facts that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Some doctors are in a rush and do not complete this step, or they might insist on seeing a patient only once, instead of conducting an extensive examination. This could lead to a incorrect diagnosis. If the doctor is too fundamentalist about the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and stipulates that a patient has to show more than six symptoms in order to receive a diagnosis it's a red flag. For adults, the evaluator might ask the patient to complete scores for each symptom on an ADHD checklist and provide examples of how these symptoms have affected the patient's life. The evaluator will then compare the scores to the checklist and determines if there is ADHD. It's a great feeling for some adults to finally get an ADHD diagnosis. But the underlying emotions -such as guilt over failing to live up to expectations, or the grief that the disorder was not discovered until later in life -it can be a challenge. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and inattention. focus. These traits can have grave consequences in a variety of areas, including relationships, careers, and health. The Tests It can be difficult and confusing to get an ADHD diagnosis. It involves a lot paperwork and interviews as well as tests. The best method to prepare is to ask for recommendations from family, friends and doctors you are confident with. Research the specialist's credentials and make sure that they're a good match for your needs. It is essential to find specialists who specialize in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that you or your child gets an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment possible. The initial step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with the evaluator. The evaluator might ask you or your child questions in order to know more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how the symptoms affect you and whether they affect your schoolwork, work or social relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a series questions. For instance, you could be asked if you often forget appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt others. Many evaluators will also ask those who know you or your child to fill out questionnaires regarding what they have observed. Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or children. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers, daycare workers or the nannies. Personal insight can uncover details that are not possible to obtain from a survey. Certain evaluators might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if learning or mental disorders contribute to your symptoms. They may also screen for mood disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, or incipient psychosis. They may also screen for medical conditions that are underlying such as hypothyroidism or seizure disorders. Certain evaluators will offer you or your child an ADHD screening test that tests how you respond to targeted and non-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 a series of geometric shapes. The examiner will assess the frequency at which you react to non-target stimuli, as well as how long it takes you to respond to the stimuli you are targeting. This will help the evaluators determine if you suffer from an impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD. Follow-up Many kinds of mental health professionals can provide ADHD assessments and provide an assessment. This can be a psychiatrist or psychologist as well as a psychotherapist or neurologist. The specialist will inquire about what your concerns are, and how long these problems have been occurring for. He will also inquire about any family history of ADHD. It is believed that the disorder is 70% to 80 percent hereditary, and that genes play a big role in determining whether you or your child is likely to suffer symptoms. The expert will be interested in how your your child's ADHD impacts your daily life at home, work and school. He will inquire with you or your child about their behavior in different environments since ADHD symptoms are different in different settings. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD, your or your child must exhibit six or more documented signs of hyperactivity or inattention and an impulsiveness that hinder daily functioning for at least six months. To assist the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis, he will need to exclude other conditions. diagnosing adult adhd could include psychiatric conditions that are not listed above including anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities and certain medical disorders that affect the brain, such as thyroid disorders. The specialist will also ask about your child's or yourself's sleep habits and any accidents or injuries in the past that might have affected your child or your brain's development. He will also take into consideration whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are linked to any other health condition or medications that you or your child are taking. For instance, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause side effects, such as stomachaches and insomnia. Other medications, including antidepressants and certain sleep medications, can also have these adverse effects. The expert will also need to determine if there is a comorbidity, which means you or your child may have another condition that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will examine all of the information and determine a diagnosis.