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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can be a life changing experience. It explains why people have issues like staying focused on their task, following directions and staying organized. Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to an expert. Contact your insurance company to see if it covers ADHD assessments for adults. Diagnosis Process A psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist nurse will be required to assess adults in order to determine the correct diagnosis. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults. A thorough interview with your symptoms and how you are feeling is often the first step in a preliminary evaluation. The healthcare professional could also inquire about how long you have had symptoms and how they affect you. They might ask you to speak to a close friend or family member about your symptoms. The process of evaluation could also include questions about your childhood. Since current guidelines do not allow a physician to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, the healthcare professional may wish to look at your school records or talk to teachers or other individuals who knew you as a kid. They will also discuss whether you have experienced any other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. In certain instances the evaluator may suggest cognitive testing for example, IQ tests or assessments for memory or learning issues. They may also recommend that you take other kinds of medical tests to rule out any physical conditions which could be causing your symptoms. If your healthcare professional is convinced that your symptoms are due to ADHD, they may recommend additional diagnostic tests to confirm and determine the severity of the problem. These tests may include urine and blood tests, a medical exam, and possibly psychological or educational testing. The tests are used to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals in your body that could be related to ADHD like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They will also examine your blood pressure and heart rate. They might also suggest a the spirometry test, which measures your lung capacity. They might also suggest that you undergo an MRI of your brain to check for functional or structural issues. In certain instances the evaluator might suggest that you or your child be tested for other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms similar to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders. The Interview There are many ADHD tests and quizzes that you can use to test your knowledge, prior to scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can be useful in identifying the possibility of ADHD however the only way to make a diagnosis is with an experienced medical professional who conducts a thorough medical interview and isn't rushed into prescribing medications. This process can take about 2 to 3 hours. It includes time explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it may affect his or her symptoms. The physician may also inquire about a history or addiction to drugs or depression since 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 clinician will also want to review the patient's school records and speak with teachers. If the patient is an adult spouse or family members could also be questioned. Personal insight can provide information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires. Some doctors are rushed and do not complete this step, or they may insist on seeing a patient only once, instead of conducting an extensive examination. how to get adult adhd diagnosis can lead to misdiagnosis. If the clinician is too rigid about the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and stipulates that a patient must display at least six symptoms to receive a diagnosis this is an indication of trouble. The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then provide examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluation will then compare the ratings with the checklist and assess the severity of ADHD. It's often a relief for some adults to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The underlying emotions, such as guilt or resentment for not meeting expectations or the fact that the disorder was not recognized until later in the life, can be complex. The inattention and impulsivity that characterize ADHD can have serious implications throughout an individual's life, such as relationships, career and health. The Tests It can be a challenge and confusing to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It involves many forms as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. The best way to prepare is to seek recommendations from friends, family and doctors you are confident with. Check out the credentials of the specialist and ensure that they're a good match for your needs. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that your child or you receives a precise diagnosis and the most effective treatment. An interview with the evaluator is the first step in an ADHD assessment. The evaluator will ask questions about your child or yourself to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator would like to know how symptoms affect you and if they impact your school, work or social relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. They usually comprise checklists that ask you or someone close to you to answer a series of questions. For instance, you might be asked if you often forget appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt others. Many evaluators also ask people who know you and your child well to fill out questionnaires regarding their observations of your behavior. Adults may be asked to fill out questionnaires by their spouses or children. Children might be required to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers daycare workers, coaches or nannies. Personal insights can provide information that isn't feasible to collect through a questionnaire. Some evaluators will also perform cognitive testing to see if learning or intellectual 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 even screen for medical conditions that are underlying such as hypothyroidism or seizure disorders. Some evaluators may give you or your children an ADHD screening test to gauge how you respond both to target and nontarget stimuli. For instance the TOVA (Timed On-Only Visual Attention) is an FDA-approved computer-based test that tests your ability to pay attention and remember a series of geometric shapes. The test examines how often you respond non-target stimuli, and the time it takes you to respond to target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine whether you have an impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD. The Follow-Up Several kinds of mental health professionals can provide ADHD evaluations and make an assessment. This can be a psychologist or psychiatrist as well as psychologist or neurologist. The specialist will inquire about what the issues you are facing and how long they have been occurring for. The specialist will also ask whether there any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70%-80 percent hereditary. Genes play an important role in whether your child or you suffer from symptoms. The specialist will be interested in knowing how your your child's ADHD impacts your daily life, including home, work and at school. He will ask about your your child's behavior in different settings, because the symptoms of ADHD differ when they are present in different environments. In addition, to qualify for an assessment of ADHD, your or your child must have at least six distinct signs of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will need to rule other conditions out. These could include psychiatric conditions that are not listed above, anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities, and certain medical conditions that affect the brain, like thyroid disorders. Additionally, the doctor will ask about your or your child's sleeping patterns as well as any previous injuries or accidents that might have affected the development of your child's brain. He will also consider whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are related to any other health conditions or medications you or your child are taking. For example, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can sometimes cause side effects, such as stomachaches and insomnia. Other medications, including antidepressants and certain sleep medications, can also have these side effects. The doctor will also have to determine if there is an underlying comorbidity. This means you or your child might have another condition that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could be bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will examine the data and make a diagnosis.