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Getting an ADHD DiagnosisBeing diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. This is why some people have issues like staying focused on their task, following directions and staying organized.Ask your family physician or therapy provider to refer you an expert. Contact your insurance company to see if it covers ADHD assessments for adults.Diagnosis ProcessA psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist nurse is required to assess adults in order to establish a correct diagnosis. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in adults.A detailed interview about your health and symptoms is often the first step in an initial assessment. The healthcare professional could also inquire about how long you’ve been suffering from symptoms and how they affect your life. They might suggest that you talk to a friend or family member about your symptoms.The evaluation process may also include questions about 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 need to look over your school records and speak to people who knew you as in your early years. They may also inquire whether you’ve ever experienced any mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.In some cases an evaluator could suggest cognitive tests, like IQ tests or tests for learning or memory issues. They might also suggest different types of medical tests to rule out physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms, for instance thyroid disorders or seizure problems.If the healthcare professional believes that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, they will recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests could include blood and urine testing as well as a medical examination and perhaps educational or psychological tests.The tests are used to measure 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. You may also be given an spirometry test, which measures lung capacity. They might also suggest an imaging scan of your brain to look for structural or functional abnormalities. In certain instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be examined for conditions that share similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders.The InterviewThere are numerous ADHD questions and tests that you can use to test your knowledge, prior to scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can alert you to the possibility that you have ADHD however an interview with a doctor is the only method to confirm the diagnosis.The process can last from between 2 and 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it could affect his or her symptoms. It may also include the clinician asking about a past history of substance abuse or depression because these issues 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 examine the patient’s school records and discuss the situation with teachers. If the patient is an adult or spouse, a family member might also be interviewed. Personal insight can reveal details that aren’t possible to obtain from questionnaires.Some doctors rush through this process or insist on only seeing a patient once instead of completing a full examination. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. This is a red-flag when the doctor is too rigid about the criteria to diagnose ADHD.The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then give examples of how these afflictions have affected their lives. The evaluator will then compare the ratings with the checklist and determine if they are a good indicator for ADHD.For some adults, it can be a relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. But the underlying emotions — such as guilt for not living up to expectations, or regret that the disorder wasn’t recognized until later in life -are often complicated. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and inattention. focus. These traits can have negative consequences in a variety of fields including relationships, careers, and health.The TestsIt can be difficult and confusing to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It requires lots of paperwork and interviews, as well as tests. The best method to prepare is to ask for suggestions from family members, friends and doctors you are confident with. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure that they are a match for your needs. It is essential to find a specialist that specializes in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that your child or you receives a precise diagnosis and the best treatment.An interview with an evaluation expert is the first step in an ADHD evaluation. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how symptoms affect you and whether they interfere with your schoolwork, work or social relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a series of questions. For instance, you could be asked if you often miss appointments, or be asked how often you interrupt others.Many evaluators also solicit people who know you or your child well to complete questionnaires based on their observations of your behavior. Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or siblings. Children may be asked to fill out questionnaires from coaches, teachers, daycare workers or nannies. Personal experience can reveal details that are not possible to obtain from a survey.Some evaluators will also perform cognitive testing to see whether learning or intellectual impairments are contributing to your symptoms. They could also test for mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder and incipient psychosis, or substance abuse. They could also test for medical conditions that are underlying like hypothyroidism or seizure disorders.Some evaluators will give your child or you an ADHD screening test that evaluates the way you react to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computer-based test approved by the FDA that measures your ability to pay attention and retain a variety of geometric shapes. The examiner will look at the frequency at which you respond to non-target stimuli and how long it takes you to respond to targeted stimuli. This can help evaluaters determine which subtype of ADHD you have whether you are impulsive or inattentive.Follow-upMultiple mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD and provide ADHD evaluations. This could be a psychiatrist or psychologist as well as a psychotherapist or neurologist. The doctor will want to know the cause of your concern and how long the problems have been occurring. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be between 70 and 80 percent hereditary. Genes play an important role in whether your child or you will experience symptoms.He will inquire about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, at school and at work. He will inquire 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 be eligible for an assessment of ADHD, your or your child must display six or more documented signs of inattention or hyperactivity and an impulsiveness that hinder daily functioning for at least 6 months.To help the specialist make an accurate diagnosis, he will need to rule out any other conditions. These could include psychiatric disorders that are not listed such as anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities and certain medical disorders that affect the brain, like thyroid disorders. The specialist will also ask about your child or yourself’s habits of sleep and any injuries or accidents in the past that may have affected your child’s or your brain’s development.The doctor will also determine whether the symptoms of ADHD in your children or yourself are caused by any health condition or medications you or your child are taking. Side effects of stimulant medications such as those used to treat ADHD, can include stomachaches and trouble sleeping. These side effects could also be caused by other medications, including antidepressants, sleep medications, and certain sleep aids.The expert will also need to determine if there’s an underlying comorbidity. This means you or your child may have a different condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD. This could be depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will examine all of the data and come up with an assessment.