https://notes.io/w5zDc Getting Diagnosed With ADHD Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until adulthood. The diagnosis can be difficult. It could involve asking questions about childhood behavior as well as going through a psychological evaluation. To determine a diagnosis, a mental health provider will evaluate a person's current symptoms as well as their past illnesses and relationships. The clinician will interview teachers and parents and ask the patient to evaluate their symptoms on an appropriate scale. Diagnosis You'll need to talk to an experienced health professional who is an expert in ADHD to get an assessment. You can find one through your health insurance, by asking for a referral from a doctor or counselor, or by calling an organization such as Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The first step is to have an extensive conversation with your healthcare professional. You might be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating system. Psychological tests can also aid in determining whether your symptoms are related to ADHD. Some doctors also use brain imaging to monitor activity in your brain. Your health care professional will want to know if you've had ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You should also exhibit symptoms in more than one setting like at home and at work. You or your child must have symptomatic behavior in childhood, usually before age 12, to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD. Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger difficult emotions. Some people are relieved that they have a reason for their life's challenges. Others may feel regrets about missed opportunities or relationship problems that they believe could be prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on. A therapist can aid you in resolving these emotions. They can help you learn to manage your symptoms and provide strategies that will help you focus, stay organized an