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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. It is the reason why some people struggle with staying in control, following directions or staying focused. Ask your family physician or therapy provider to refer you an expert. Also, inquire with your insurance company to see if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults. The Diagnosis Process For adults, a proper diagnosis requires an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. These are the only healthcare providers who can diagnose ADHD in adults. A thorough interview with your symptoms and how you are feeling is usually the first step in the initial assessment. The healthcare professional could also ask how long you've been suffering from symptoms and how they impact you. They might suggest that you talk to a family member or friend about your symptoms. The process of evaluating you will involve questions about your childhood. Current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without proving that the disorder was present in childhood. Therefore the healthcare professional will want to review your school records and talk to those who knew you when you were in your early years. They may also inquire whether you've ever experienced any mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. In certain instances, an evaluator may suggest cognitive tests, like IQ tests or tests for learning or memory problems. They may also suggest that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out any physical conditions which could cause your symptoms. If your doctor is sure that your symptoms are caused by ADHD, they may recommend additional diagnostic tests to confirm and determine the severity of the condition. These tests could include urine and blood tests, medical examinations as well as educational or psychological testing. The tests are used to determine the levels of certain chemicals in your body that might be linked to ADHD like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They will also check your heart rate and blood pressure. You may also be given the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They might also suggest a brain imaging scan to determine if there are any functional or structural problems. In some instances the evaluator might suggest that you or your child be examined for other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms similar to ADHD like anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders. The Interview There are a variety of ADHD tests and quizzes that can be used as a screening tool before scheduling an appointment with your doctor. These tests can help you recognize that you have ADHD However, a doctor's clinical interview is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. The process can last from about 2 to 3 hours. It includes a time spent explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it might influence their symptoms. The physician may also inquire about substance abuse or depression as these issues 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 look over the patient's school records as well as talk to teachers. If the patient is an adult, a spouse or family member could also be interviewed. Personal insight can provide information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires. Some doctors are in a rush and do not complete this step, or they might insist on seeing a patient just one time, rather than carrying out an extensive evaluation. This could lead to a incorrect diagnosis. This is a red-flag in the event that the physician is too rigid about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. For adults, the evaluator might request that the patient complete scores for each symptom on an ADHD checklist and give examples of how the symptoms have impacted the patient's life. The evaluator will then compare the scores with the checklist and determines if there is ADHD. It's often a relief for some adults to get an ADHD diagnosis. However, the underlying emotions- such as guilt for not living up to expectations, or regret that the disorder was not noticed until later in lifeit can be a challenge. The inattention and impulsivity that characterize ADHD can have serious implications throughout a person's life, including relationships, work, and health. The Tests Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and confusing process. It involves a lot paperwork as well as interviews and tests. The best method to prepare is to seek recommendations from friends, family and doctors you trust. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure they are a match for your requirements. It is important to find a specialist who specializes in diagnosing ADHD. This is to ensure you or your child gets an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment. The first step of an ADHD assessment is an interview with an assessor. The evaluator might ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator would like to know how your symptoms impact your daily life and whether they interfere with work, school or relationships. The evaluator could also use rating scales that measure your ADHD symptoms. These are usually checklists where you or someone you know is asked a series of questions. For instance, you might be asked if you often miss appointments, or you might be asked how often you interrupt others. Many evaluators also ask people who know you or your child well to fill out questionnaires about their observations of your behavior. Adults might be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or children. Children might be asked to complete questionnaires by coaches, teachers daycare workers, coaches, or nannies. Personal insight can uncover information that cannot be gleaned from a questionnaire. The evaluators can also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental impairments are contributing to your symptoms. They may also screen for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression, or incipient psychosis. They could also screen for underlying conditions like hypothyroidism and seizure disorders. Certain evaluators might offer you or your children an ADHD screening test to gauge your response to non-target and target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test cleared by the FDA that measures your ability to pay attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The examiner will look at the frequency at which you respond to non-targeted stimuli and how long it takes you to respond to target stimuli. This will help the evaluators determine if you suffer from impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD. The Follow-Up Multiple mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD and provide ADHD evaluations. This could be a psychologist or psychiatrist as well as a psychotherapist or neurologist. The doctor will want to know the cause of your concern and how long they have been present for. He will also ask if there any family history of ADHD. It is thought that the disorder is about 70%-80 percent hereditary and that genetics play a significant role in determining if you or your child is likely to suffer symptoms. He will inquire about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, at school, and work. click home page will ask you or your child about their behavior in various situations since ADHD symptoms vary in different situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD either you or your child will also require six or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that affects daily functioning. It must last for at minimum six months. To determine the correct diagnosis, the doctor will need to rule other conditions out. These may include psychiatric conditions that are not listed above such as anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilities and certain medical disorders that affect the brain, for example, thyroid disorders. In addition, the doctor will inquire about your or your child's sleep patterns and any injuries or accidents that might have affected the development of your child's brain. He will also consider whether your or your child's ADHD symptoms are linked to any other health issues or medications that you or your child are taking. The adverse effects of stimulant medications, such as those used to treat ADHD, can include stomachaches as well as difficulty sleeping. Other drugs, such as antidepressants as well as some sleep medications, can also have these side effects. The doctor will also have to determine if there is a comorbidity, which means you or your child could be suffering from another illness that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the information and determine a diagnosis.