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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a life altering experience. It explains why people have issues such as staying focused in their work, following directions and remaining organized. Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Also make sure to inquire with your insurance company to see if they will 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 professionals who can diagnose ADHD in adults. A thorough interview with your health and symptoms is often the first step in a preliminary assessment. The healthcare professional may be able to inquire about the length of time you have had symptoms and how they impact your life. They might ask you to speak with a close friend or family member about your symptoms. The process of evaluation will also include questions about your childhood. The current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without proving that the disorder was present in the early years of childhood. So the healthcare professional will need to look over your school records and talk to people who knew you when you were in your early years. They will also ask whether you've ever experienced any mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In certain instances the evaluator might recommend cognitive testing like IQ tests or assessments for memory or learning problems. They may also suggest that you take other kinds of medical tests to rule out any physical conditions which could be causing your symptoms. If your healthcare provider is convinced that your symptoms are due to ADHD they will suggest further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. These tests could include urine and blood tests, a medical exam, and even psychological or educational testing. Tests are used to determine the levels of specific chemicals that are associated with ADHD in your body, like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They will also check your blood pressure and heart rate. They might also recommend a a spirometry test, which will measure the capacity of your lungs. They may also suggest that you undergo a brain scan to check for functional or structural abnormalities. In some instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be tested for conditions that share similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders. The Interview There are numerous ADHD tests and quizzes that you can use to test your knowledge, before making an appointment with your physician. These tests can be helpful in identifying the possibility of ADHD However, the only way to make a diagnosis is through an expert medical professional who conducts a thorough interview and doesn't rush into prescribing drugs. This process could take anywhere from about 2 to 3 hours. It includes a time spent explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it might affect his or her symptoms. It may also include the doctor asking about a history of depression or abuse of substances, as those problems are often co-occurring 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 look over the student's school records and discuss the situation with teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they could also interview a spouse or family member. Personal insight can reveal facts that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. Some doctors are rushed and don't bother with this step or they might insist on seeing a patient only once, instead of conducting an extensive examination. This could lead to a confusion about the diagnosis. This is a red flag if the clinician is too rigid in their criteria to diagnose ADHD. For adults, the evaluator could request the patient to fill out ratings for each of the symptoms on an ADHD checklist and give examples of how those symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluation will then compare the ratings against the checklist and evaluate for ADHD. It's a great feeling for some adults to get an ADHD diagnosis. The sub-conscious emotions, like guilt or grief for not living up to expectations or the fact that the disorder was not recognized until later in life, can be a bit complicated. ADHD is defined by impulsivity and lack of concentration. These characteristics can have negative consequences in a variety of fields including relationships as well as careers and health. The Tests It can be a challenge and confusing to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. It requires a lot of paperwork and interviews as well as tests. The best method to prepare is to get recommendations from family, friends and doctors you trust. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure that they meet your requirements. It is essential to find specialists who specialize in ADHD diagnosis. adhd diagnosis for adults is to ensure you or your child is getting an accurate assessment and the most effective treatment. The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with an evaluator. The evaluator might ask you or your child questions to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how symptoms affect you and if they interfere with your school, work, or relationships. The evaluator might also employ rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These usually consist of checklists that ask you or someone who is close to you a series of questions. You may be asked if you often forget appointments or how often you interrupt others. Many evaluators also ask people who know your child or you to complete questionnaires on what they have observed. For adults, this could include spouses and siblings; for children, it could be coaches, teachers and nannies, or daycare workers. Personal insight can reveal information that cannot be gleaned from a survey. Certain evaluators might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if learning or mental impairments are contributing factors to your symptoms. They may also screen for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or incipient psychosis. They could also screen for underlying conditions like seizure disorders and hypothyroidism. Some evaluators will give your child or you an ADHD screening test that measures 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 test examines the frequency at which you react to non-target stimuli, as well as how long it takes you to react to the stimulus you want to respond. This can help evaluaters determine the type of ADHD you have whether you are Inattentive or impulsive. Follow-up Multiple mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD and offer ADHD evaluations. This could be psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapist, or neurologist. The specialist will want be aware of your concerns and how long they have been occurring. He will also inquire about any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70-80 percent heritable. Genes play an important factor in determining if your child or you will experience symptoms. The specialist will be interested in knowing how your your child's ADHD impacts your daily life, including home, work and school. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in various situations because ADHD symptoms are different in different situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD either you or your child be required to show at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that hinders daily functioning. The symptoms must last for at least six months. To assist the doctor in making an accurate diagnosis, he must rule out other conditions. Other psychiatric conditions, anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, like thyroid problems, can also be considered. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about your child's sleeping patterns as well as any previous accidents or injuries that may have affected the development of your or your child's brain. He will also look into whether your your child's ADHD symptoms are linked to any other health condition or medications that you or your child takes. The side effects of stimulant medication, such as those used to treat ADHD can include stomachaches as well as difficulty sleeping. Other drugs, such as antidepressants and certain sleep medications may also cause these side effects. Finally, the doctor will need to determine if a comorbidity is present this means that you or your child is suffering from another illness that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorder, or eating disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the data and then make a diagnosis.