Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can be a life changing experience. This is why some people struggle with things like staying focused in their work, following directions and remaining organized.
Ask your family doctor or therapy provider to refer you a specialist. Contact your insurance company to see if it covers ADHD assessments for adults.
The Diagnosis Process
For adults, a valid diagnosis will require an evaluation by a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse. These are the only healthcare professionals who can determine ADHD in adults.
Often, an initial assessment will begin with a detailed interview about your life and symptoms. 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 also suggest that you speak to a family member or close friend about your symptoms.
The process of evaluating you will involve questions about your childhood. The current guidelines allow doctors to diagnose ADHD without evidence that the disorder existed in childhood. So, the healthcare professional will need to review your school records and talk to those who knew you as an infant. They will also discuss whether you have experienced any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
In certain instances an evaluator might suggest cognitive tests, like IQ tests or tests for memory or learning problems. They may also recommend different types of medical tests to rule out physical issues that may be causing your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders.
If your healthcare professional is convinced that your symptoms are due to ADHD they might suggest additional diagnostic tests to verify and determine the severity of the condition. These tests may include blood and urine testing, a medical exam, and perhaps educational or psychological tests.
The tests will be used to measure the levels of certain chemicals within your body that could be related to ADHD, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They will also test your blood pressure and heart rate. You could also receive the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They may also suggest that you undergo an MRI of your brain to check for structural or functional abnormalities. In some instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be evaluated for disorders that have similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are plenty of ADHD tests and questionnaires which can serve as a screening instrument before you schedule an appointment with a doctor. These tests can be useful in identifying the possibility of ADHD however the only way to get a diagnosis is through an expert medical professional who conducts a thorough clinical interview and does not rush into prescribing drugs.
This process can take about 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient what we know about ADHD and how it might influence their symptoms. It could also involve the doctor asking about a history of depression or substance abuse because these issues may co-exist 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. Additionally, the therapist will be required to review school records and talk to teachers. If the patient is an adult or spouse, a family member could also be questioned. Personal insight can provide details that are not available through questionnaires.
Some doctors are rushed and don't bother with this step or they might insist on seeing a patient just one time, rather than carrying out an entire examination. This can lead to misdiagnosis. This is a red flag in the event that the physician is too rigid in their criteria for diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom they see on an ADHD checklist, and then provide examples of how these symptoms have affected their lives. The evaluator will then compare the scores against the checklist and evaluate the severity of ADHD.
For certain adults, it may be a great relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. The sub-conscious emotions, like guilt or grief for not living up to expectations or that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in the life, can be a bit complicated. The inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can have serious implications throughout the life of a person, including relationships, career and health.
The Tests
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and complicated process. It requires a lot of paperwork and interviews as well as tests. The best way to prepare is to seek suggestions from family members, friends and doctors you trust. Examine the credentials of the doctor and ensure that they meet your needs. It is essential to find a specialist who specializes in diagnosing ADHD. This is to ensure you or your child gets an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment possible.
An interview with an evaluation expert is the first step in an ADHD evaluation. I Am Psychiatry might ask you or your child questions to find out more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how symptoms affect you and whether they impact your schoolwork, work or your relationships. The evaluator may also use rating scales that measure your ADHD symptoms. They typically comprise checklists that ask you or someone close to you to answer a series of questions. You may be asked if you frequently forget appointments or how often you interrupt others.
Many evaluators will also ask people who are familiar with you or your child to complete questionnaires on what they have observed. Adults may be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or children. Children might be asked to complete questionnaires by teachers, coaches daycare workers, coaches or the nannies. Personal insight can provide information that isn't possible to gather from a questionnaire.
Some evaluators will also perform cognitive testing to see whether learning or intellectual impairments are contributing to your symptoms. They may also screen for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression, or an underlying psychosis. They might also test for underlying disorders like seizures and hypothyroidism.
Some evaluators will provide your child or you an ADHD screening test that measures the way you react to target and non-target stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computer-based test that has been approved by the FDA that measures your ability to pay attention to detail and remember a number of geometric shapes. The examiner will assess how often you respond to non-target stimuli, and how long it takes you to respond to the target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine which subtype of ADHD you have: inattentive or impulsive.
The Follow-Up
Several kinds of mental health professionals are able to provide ADHD evaluations and provide an assessment. This could be a psychologist or psychiatrist as well as neurotherapist or psychotherapist. The doctor will ask you what your concerns are and how long these problems have been affecting you for. The doctor will also inquire about any family history of ADHD. It is thought that the disorder is about 70%-80% heritable and that genes play a big role in whether you or your child will suffer from symptoms.
The expert will want to know how your your child's ADHD impacts your daily life, including home, work and school. He will inquire about your or your child's behavior in different environments, since the signs of ADHD are different when they are encountered in different situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you or your child be required to show six or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that hinders everyday functioning. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months.
To determine the correct diagnosis, the specialist will need to rule other conditions out. Other psychiatric issues, anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical disorders that affect brain function, such as thyroid issues, should be considered. In addition, the specialist will inquire about your or your child's sleeping patterns as well as any accidents or injuries that may have affected the development of your child's brain.
The doctor will also examine whether the symptoms of ADHD in your children or yourself are related to any health conditions 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. Other medications, including antidepressants and some sleep medicines may also cause these side effects.
The specialist will also need to determine whether there is an underlying comorbidity. This means you or your child might have a different condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD. This can include depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will examine all of the information and make the diagnosis.