The Good And Bad About Getting An ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a life altering experience. This is why some people have issues such as staying focused, following directions and being organized.
Ask your family doctor or therapist for a referral to an expert. Check with your insurance company to determine if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults.
The Diagnosis Process
For adults, a correct diagnosis will require an assessment by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
A typical initial evaluation will begin with a detailed interview about your life and symptoms. The healthcare professional could also inquire about how long you've had symptoms and how they impact your life. They might suggest that you talk to a family member or friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluation could also include questions regarding your childhood. The current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without any evidence that the disorder was present during childhood. Therefore, the healthcare professional will want to review your school records and talk to those who knew you as a child. They'll also ask if you have experienced any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
In some cases the evaluator might recommend cognitive tests for example, IQ tests or assessments for memory or learning issues. They may also recommend different types of medical tests to rule out physical issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
If your healthcare provider is convinced that your symptoms are caused by ADHD they might suggest additional tests to confirm and determine the severity of the problem. These tests could include blood and urine testing, a medical exam, and perhaps educational or psychological testing.
Tests will be used to determine the levels of specific chemicals that could be linked with ADHD in your body, for example dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They will also test your blood pressure and heart rate. You could also receive an spirometry test, which measures lung capacity. They may also suggest an imaging scan of the brain to determine if there are any functional or structural issues. In some instances, your evaluator might suggest that you or a child be tested for conditions that share similar symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are many ADHD tests and quizzes that can be used to test your knowledge, before scheduling an appointment with your physician. These tests can be useful in alerting you to the possibility of ADHD However, the only way to get a diagnosis is with a medical professional who conducts a thorough interview and does not rush into prescribing drugs.
The process can last from about 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it may affect their symptoms. The clinician may also ask about any history of 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 older adult, they could also interview a spouse or a family member. The personal perspective of a person can provide details that are not available through questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this procedure or insist on only seeing a patient one time instead of conducting a thorough assessment. This could lead doctors to make an incorrect diagnosis. This is a red-flag in the event that the physician is too rigid in their criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluator could ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist and then give examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluator compares the ratings to the checklist and assesses for ADHD.
For some adults, it can be a relief to finally be diagnosed with ADHD. The deep-seated emotions, such as guilt or sadness for not achieving expectations or that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in the life, can be a bit complicated. The impulsivity and inattention that characterize ADHD can have severe implications throughout the life of a person, including relationships, work, and health.
The Tests
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and difficult process. It requires a lot of paperwork, interviews and tests. The best way to prepare is to seek suggestions from family members, friends and doctors you are confident with. Research the specialist's credentials and make sure they are a match for your requirements. It is crucial to find an expert who is specialized in ADHD diagnosis. This is to ensure you or your child receives an accurate assessment and the best possible treatment.
The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with an evaluation expert. The assessor will ask questions of your child or you to collect information about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how your symptoms impact your daily life and if they affect work, school or relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales that measure your ADHD symptoms. These are usually checklists where you or someone you know is asked a series questions. You might be asked whether you frequently forget appointments or how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators will also request those who know you or your child well to fill out questionnaires about their observations of your behavior. Adults could be asked to fill out questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children might be required to complete questionnaires from coaches, teachers daycare workers, coaches or nannies. Personal insight can uncover facts that cannot be gleaned from a questionnaire.
Some evaluators will also perform cognitive testing to see if learning or intellectual disabilities contribute to your symptoms. They may also test for mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder as well as for signs of psychosis in the early stages or drug abuse. They may even screen for underlying conditions like seizures and hypothyroidism.
Some evaluators may give you or your children an ADHD screening test to determine the way you react to non-target and target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computer-based test approved by the FDA that tests your ability to pay close attention and retain a variety of geometric shapes. The test examines the frequency with which you respond to non-target stimuli and the time it takes you to respond to target stimuli. This will help the evaluators determine if you suffer from impulsive ADHD or inattentional ADHD.
The Follow-Up
Multiple mental health professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD and provide ADHD evaluations. This could be a psychiatrist or psychologist, psychologist or neurologist. The specialist will want to be aware of your concerns and how long they have been occurring. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. It is believed that the disorder is about 70%-80% heritable, and that genes are a major factor in whether you or your child will have symptoms.
He will ask about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, at school, and work. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in different situations since ADHD symptoms differ in different settings. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the parent or child must exhibit at least six distinct signs 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, they will need to rule out other conditions. Other psychiatric issues, anxiety and mood disorders as well as intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, like thyroid issues, may also be considered. Additionally, the doctor will ask about your or 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.
diagnosis for adhd will also examine whether the symptoms of ADHD in your child or you are related to any health conditions or medications you or your child are taking. For example, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may cause side effects such as stomachaches and insomnia. Other medications, including antidepressants and certain sleep medications are also prone to these side effects.
The doctor will also have to determine if there's a comorbidity, which means you or your child may have a different condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD. This could be bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will look over the information and then make an assessment.