Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It is the reason why some people have difficulty staying focused, following directions or staying focused.
Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Contact your insurance company to see if it covers ADHD evaluations for adult patients.
Diagnosis Process
For adults, a proper diagnosis will require an assessment by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. These are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in adults.
Often, an initial assessment will start with a thorough interview about your life and the symptoms. The healthcare professional will be interested in knowing how long it has been a problem and how they affect you. They might also suggest that you talk to your family member or close friend 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 the early years of childhood. So, the healthcare professional will want to review your school records and speak to those who knew you when you were an infant. They may also inquire if you have ever had any mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In certain situations, the evaluator will recommend cognitive testing for example, IQ tests or tests for learning or memory problems. They may also recommend other types of medical exams to rule out physical ailments that may be creating your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
If a healthcare professional believes that your symptoms are due to ADHD They will suggest further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. These tests may include blood and urine tests, medical examinations, and possibly educational or psychological testing.
The tests are designed to determine the levels of certain chemicals in your body that might be related to ADHD like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They will also check your blood pressure and heart rate. They might also suggest a the spirometry test which measures the capacity of your lungs. They might also suggest that you undergo an examination of your brain to look for functional or structural issues. In some instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be examined for disorders that have similar symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are many ADHD tests and questionnaires that can be used as a screening instrument before you make an appointment with your doctor. These tests can be helpful in alerting you to the possibility of ADHD, but the only way to get a diagnosis is with a medical professional who conducts a thorough interview and isn't rushed into prescribing medication.
The process can take between 2 to 3 hours. It includes educating the patient the concept of ADHD and its possible effects on their symptoms. It could also include the clinician asking about a history of depression or abuse of substances, as those problems 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 doctor will also want to review the patient's school records as well as discuss the situation with teachers. If the patient is an adult or spouse, a family member could also be interviewed. Personal experience can reveal details that aren't possible to obtain from questionnaires.
Some doctors are rushed and don't bother with this step or they might insist on seeing a patient just once, instead of conducting an extensive examination. This can lead to misdiagnosis. If a doctor is too rigid about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and insists that a patient needs to display more than six symptoms in order to be diagnosed it's a red flag.
The evaluator can ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then provide examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluator compares the scores with the checklist and determines if there is ADHD.
adult adhd diagnosis uk can be a relief for some adults to get an ADHD diagnosis. The underlying emotions, such as guilt or resentment for not achieving expectations or the fact that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in life, may be complicated. The impulsivity and inattention that characterize ADHD can have serious implications in a variety of areas of an individual's life, such as relationships, career and health.
The Tests
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and difficult process. It involves lots of paperwork as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. You can prepare by obtaining recommendations from trusted doctors, family members and friends. You must also research the doctor and their credentials to ensure they're a good match for your needs. It is crucial to find an expert who is specialized in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that you or your child receives a precise diagnosis and the most effective treatment.
The initial step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with the evaluator. The assessor will ask questions of your child or yourself to collect information about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how symptoms affect you and if they impact your work, school or social relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. They usually consist of checklists that ask you or someone around you a series of questions. You may be asked if you often forget appointments or how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators also solicit people who know you or your child well to fill out questionnaires regarding their observations of your behavior. Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or siblings. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers, daycare workers or parents. Personal experience can reveal information that is not possible to obtain from a survey.
Certain evaluators might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental impairments contribute to your symptoms. They can also test for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression, or psychosis that is in the beginning. They might also test for underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism and seizure disorders.
Some evaluators may give you or your children an ADHD screening test to gauge the way you react to stimuli that are targeted and non-target. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test approved by the FDA that tests your ability to pay attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The examiner will assess the frequency at which you respond to non-targeted stimuli, and the length of time it takes you to react to the stimuli you are targeting. This can help evaluators determine which type of ADHD you have either impulsive or inattentive.
The Follow-Up
Many kinds of mental health professionals can provide ADHD assessments and provide an assessment. This can include a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or neurologist. The specialist will want know what your concerns are and how long the issues have been present for. He will also ask if there is a family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70-80% hereditary. Genetics play a significant factor in determining if your child or you will be affected.
The professional will be interested in knowing how your or your child's ADHD affects your daily life such as at work, home and at school. He will ask about your your child's behavior in different situations, as the signs of ADHD are different when they are encountered in different environments. In addition, to qualify for an assessment 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 at least 6 months.
To aid the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis, he must rule out other conditions. Other psychiatric conditions, mood and anxiety disorders and intellectual disabilities could be a factor. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, for example thyroid problems, can also be considered. The specialist will also ask about your child's or yourself's sleep habits and any injuries or accidents in the past that could have affected your child's or your brain's development.
The doctor will also consider whether the signs of ADHD in your child or you are caused by any health condition or medications that you or your child take. The side effects of stimulant medication, such as those used to treat ADHD may include stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. Other medications, like antidepressants as well as some sleep medications may also cause these side effects.
Finally, the doctor will need to determine if a comorbidity present which means that your child or you is suffering from another illness that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will review the information and determine the diagnosis.