Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can be a life altering experience. It explains why some people struggle with staying in control, following directions or staying focused. Ask your family physician or therapy provider to refer you an expert. Also make sure to inquire with your insurance company to see if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults. The Diagnosis Process For adults, a valid diagnosis requires an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare experts who can diagnose ADHD in adults. An in-depth interview about your health and symptoms is often the first step in an initial assessment. The healthcare professional will also be interested in knowing the length of time your symptoms have been present and how they impact you. They might ask you to speak to a close family member or friend 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 proof of the disorder being present in childhood, the healthcare professional may wish to look at your school records or talk to teachers or other people who knew you as a child. They will also discuss whether you have had any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In certain instances an evaluator might suggest cognitive tests, like IQ tests or assessments for learning or memory 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 the healthcare professional believes that your symptoms are related to ADHD, they will recommend additional diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. These tests will likely include blood and urine tests, a medical exam as well as educational or psychological testing. The tests are used to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals in your body that could be linked to ADHD, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ will also test your blood pressure and heart rate. You may also be given the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They might also suggest an imaging scan of the brain 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 a variety of ADHD questions and quizzes which can serve as a screening instrument before you make an appointment with a doctor. These tests can be useful in identifying the possibility of ADHD However, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to consult an expert medical professional who conducts a thorough medical interview and does not rush into prescribing drugs. The process can last from between 2 and 3 hours. It includes a time spent explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it could influence their symptoms. The doctor may also inquire about a history or substance abuse or depression 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 clinician will also want to review the patient's school records as well as discuss the situation with teachers. If the patient is an adult spouse or family members could also be interviewed. Personal experience can reveal information that can't be gleaned from questionnaires. Some doctors are overloaded and don't bother with this step or they might insist on seeing a patient just once, rather than conducting a full examination. This can lead doctors to make a wrong diagnosis. If the doctor is too firmly rooted in the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and stipulates that a patient has to show more than six symptoms in order to receive a diagnosis, that's a red flag. The evaluator could ask adults to rate each symptom they see on an ADHD checklist and then provide examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The assessor will then compare the ratings against the checklist and evaluate the severity of ADHD. It can be a relief for some adults to receive an ADHD diagnosis. However, the emotions that accompany it -- such as guilt for not living up to expectations, or the grief that the disorder wasn't recognized until later in life -are often complicated. ADHD is characterised by impulsivity and a lack of attention. These traits can have negative consequences in a variety of fields including relationships as well as careers and health. The Tests The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and confusing process. It requires a lot of paperwork, interviews, and tests. It is possible to prepare by obtaining recommendations from reliable doctors, family members and friends. Research the specialist's credentials and make sure that they meet your requirements. It is important to find a professional who specializes in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that you or your child is getting an accurate assessment and the best treatment possible. An interview with the evaluator is the first step in an ADHD assessment. The evaluator might ask you or your child questions in order to know more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how your symptoms affect your life and whether they interfere with work, school or relationships. The evaluator can also use rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a set of questions. For instance, you might be asked if it is common to forget appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt other people. Many evaluators also ask people who know you or your child well to fill in questionnaires about their observations of your behavior. Adults might be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or siblings. Children might be required to complete questionnaires from coaches, teachers, daycare workers or nannies. Personal insight can provide information that isn't possible to gather from a questionnaire. The evaluators can also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disabilities are contributing to your symptoms. They can also test for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression, or incipient psychosis. They might even screen for underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and seizure disorders. Some evaluators will give your child or you an ADHD screening test that measures how you respond to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test approved by the FDA that tests your ability to pay attention to detail and recall a variety of geometric shapes. The test examines the frequency at which you react to non-target stimuli, and how long it takes you to react to the target stimuli. This can help evaluaters determine which type of ADHD you have whether you are impulsive or inattentive. The Follow-Up Several kinds of mental health professionals can provide ADHD evaluations and make an assessment. This could include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapist, or neurologist. The doctor will ask you what the issues you are facing and how long they have been happening. The specialist will also ask whether there any family history of ADHD. It is thought that the disorder is about 70% to 80 percent inheritable and that genetics play a big role in whether you or your child is likely to suffer symptoms. He will ask about how ADHD affects you or your child at school, home and at work. He will inquire with you or your child about their behavior in different environments since ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. In addition, to be eligible for an assessment of ADHD you or your child must display at least six distinct signs of inattention or hyperactivity and an impulsiveness that hinder daily functioning for a minimum of 6 months. To determine the correct diagnosis, the specialist 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, for example, thyroid disorders. In addition, the doctor will inquire about your or your child's sleeping patterns and any injuries or accidents that might have affected the development of your or your child's brain. The doctor will also consider whether the signs of ADHD in your child or you are related to any health conditions or medications you or your child are taking. The side effects of stimulant medication like those used to treat ADHD, can include stomachaches as well as difficulty sleeping. These side effects could also be caused by other drugs such as antidepressants, sleep medications, and a few sleep aids. The specialist will also need to determine whether there is a comorbidity, which means you or your child might have a different condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD. This could be bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the information and determine an assessment.