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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can be a life changing experience. It explains why people struggle with things such as staying focused in their work, following directions and remaining organized. Ask your family physician or therapist to refer you to an expert. Contact your insurance company to determine if they cover ADHD assessments for adults. Diagnosis Process For adults, a proper diagnosis requires an evaluation by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to determine the presence of ADHD among adults. A detailed interview about your health and symptoms is often the first step in an initial assessment. The healthcare professional could also ask how long you've had symptoms and how they impact you. They may ask you to speak with a close friend or family member about your symptoms. The evaluation process may also include questions regarding your childhood. Since current guidelines don't allow a physician to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder's presence in childhood, your healthcare provider may wish to look at your school records or talk with teachers or other individuals who were with you as a child. They may also inquire if you have ever had any mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. In certain instances the evaluator might suggest cognitive testing for example, IQ tests or assessments for learning or memory problems. They may also recommend that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out any physical issues that may cause your symptoms. If the healthcare professional is convinced that your symptoms are due to ADHD, they will recommend further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests could include urine and blood tests, a medical exam, and possibly educational or psychological tests. The tests will be used to measure the levels of certain chemicals in your body that could be related to ADHD like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They will also assess your blood pressure and heart rate. They might also suggest a the spirometry test, which evaluates the lung capacity of your. They may also suggest an imaging scan of your brain to determine if there are any functional or structural problems. In some instances, your evaluator might suggest that you or a child be examined for any conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders. The Interview There are plenty of ADHD questions and quizzes that can be used as a screening tool before you schedule an appointment with a physician. These tests could help you recognize that you have ADHD However, an interview with a doctor is the only method to confirm the diagnosis. This process can take 2 to 3 hours and includes time explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it may affect his or her symptoms. It may also include the clinician seeking out a history of depression or substance abuse 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 clinician will also want to review the patient's school records and discuss the situation with teachers. If the patient is an adult, a spouse or family member might also be interviewed. The personal perspective of a person can provide information that is not possible to obtain through questionnaires. Some doctors are in a rush and skip this step, or they may insist on seeing a patient only once, instead of conducting an extensive examination. This can lead doctors to make an incorrect diagnosis. If the clinician is too firmly rooted in the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and insists that a patient must display six or more symptoms to receive a diagnosis this is an indication of trouble. The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom on an ADHD checklist, and then provide examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluator will then compare the scores with the checklist and assess for ADHD. For some adults, it could be a relief to finally receive a diagnosis of ADHD. The sub-conscious emotions, like guilt or grief for not meeting expectations or that the disorder was not recognized until later in the life, can be a bit complicated. The inattention and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD can have severe implications throughout an individual's life, such as relationships, career, and health. The Tests It can be a challenge and confusing to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It involves lots of paperwork, interviews and tests. You can prepare by getting recommendations from reliable doctors, family members and friends. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure they are a match for your needs. It is crucial to find a specialist who is specialized in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that you or your child receives an accurate evaluation and the most effective treatment. An interview with the evaluater is the initial step in an ADHD assessment. The evaluator will ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator would like to know how the symptoms affect you and whether they interfere with your work, school, or relationships. The evaluator could also employ rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are usually checklists where you or someone you know is asked a series of questions. You may be asked if you frequently forget appointments or how often you interrupt other people. Many evaluators will also ask people who know you and your child well to fill in questionnaires based on their observations of your behavior. Adults might be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses, children, or parents. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by teachers, coaches daycare workers, coaches or nannies. Personal insight can provide information that isn't feasible to collect from a questionnaire. A few evaluators may also conduct cognitive tests to determine if learning or intellectual disabilities are contributing to your symptoms. They might also screen for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression, incipient psychosis or substance abuse. They might even screen 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 computerized test approved by the FDA that tests your ability to pay close attention and retain a variety of geometric shapes. The evaluator will look at how often you respond to non-target stimuli, and the length of time it takes you to respond to the stimulus you want to respond. This can help evaluators determine whether you have an impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD. The Follow-Up Several kinds of mental health professionals can provide ADHD evaluations and make an assessment. This could be a psychologist or psychiatrist as well as psychologist or neurologist. The doctor will ask you what your concerns are, and how long they have been occurring for. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. It is believed that the disorder is about 70%-80 percent inheritable and that genetics play a big role in whether you or your child is likely to suffer symptoms. He will inquire about how ADHD affects you or your child at school, home, and work. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in various settings because ADHD symptoms are different in different settings. To be diagnosed with ADHD you or your child will also be required to show at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that affects daily functioning. It must last for at least six months. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must rule out other conditions out. Other psychiatric conditions, anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities may be included. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, like thyroid problems, can be considered. The doctor will also inquire about your child's or your own sleep habits and any injuries or accidents in the past that might have impacted your child's or your own brain development. The doctor will also determine whether the symptoms of ADHD in your child or you are caused by any health condition or medications that you or your child are taking. For instance, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD may cause side effects such as stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. These side effects can also be caused by other medications such as sleep medications, antidepressants and certain sleep aids. The specialist will also need 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. adhd diagnostic or psychologist will look over the information and then make a diagnosis.