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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a life changing experience. This is why some people struggle with issues such as staying focused in their work, following directions and remaining organized. Ask your family doctor or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Contact your insurance company to see if it covers ADHD assessments for adults. Diagnosis Process A psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist nurse is required to examine adults to establish a correct diagnosis. These are the only healthcare experts who can diagnose ADHD in adults. Usually, an initial assessment will begin with a detailed interview about your life and the symptoms. The healthcare professional could also ask how long you have had symptoms and how they are affecting you. They may ask you to speak with a close friend or family member about your symptoms. The evaluation process will also involve questions about your childhood. Because current guidelines do not allow a doctor to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, the healthcare professional might want to review your school records or talk to teachers or other people who knew you as a child. They may also inquire whether you've ever experienced any mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. In some cases the evaluator may recommend cognitive testing, such as IQ tests or tests for memory or learning issues. They might also suggest different types of medical tests to rule out physical ailments that could be the cause of your symptoms, for instance thyroid disorders or seizure problems. If a healthcare professional is confident that your symptoms are due to ADHD they will suggest further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity. These tests will likely include urine and blood tests, a medical examination, and possibly psychological or educational testing. Tests are used to measure levels of certain chemicals that could be linked with ADHD in your body, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. They will also check your heart rate and blood pressure. You could also receive an spirometry test, which measures lung capacity. They might also suggest that you undergo an MRI of your brain to check for functional or structural abnormalities. In certain instances, the evaluator may recommend that you or your child be evaluated for other conditions that have similar symptoms similar to ADHD, such as depression and anxiety or mood and personality disorders. The Interview There are numerous ADHD tests and quizzes that you can use as a screening tool, before making an appointment with your doctor. These tests could provide you with the information that you have ADHD However, an interview with a doctor is the only method to confirm the diagnosis. This process can last between 2 and 3 hours. It includes educating the patient the concept of ADHD and its possible effects on their symptoms. adhd diagnosis adult uk may also inquire about any history of addiction to drugs or depression since 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. Additionally, the doctor will be required to review the school records and speak with teachers. If the patient is an adult, a spouse or family member might also be questioned. The personal perspective of a person can reveal information that cannot be gleaned 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 extensive assessment. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. This is a red flag if the clinician is too rigid about the criteria to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator may ask adults to rate each symptom they see on an ADHD checklist and then provide examples of how these afflictions have affected their lives. The assessor will then compare the ratings with the checklist and assess the severity of ADHD. For some adults, it can be a great relief to be diagnosed with ADHD. The underlying emotions, such as guilt or sadness for not living up to expectations or that the disorder wasn't noticed until later in the life, can be complex. ADHD is defined by impulsivity and lack of attention. These traits can have negative consequences in a variety of fields, including relationships work, health, and careers. The Tests It can be a challenge and confusing to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It requires lots of paperwork as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. You can prepare by getting recommendations from trusted doctors family members, friends and relatives. Check out the credentials of the specialist and make sure they are a match for your requirements. It is essential to find a specialist that specializes in ADHD diagnosis. This will ensure that you or your child is getting an accurate evaluation and the best treatment possible. An interview with an evaluation expert is the first step in an ADHD evaluation. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions in order to know more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how the symptoms impact your daily life and whether they affect work, school or relationships. The evaluator may also use ratings scales to gauge your ADHD symptoms. They typically consist of checklists that ask you or someone close to you several questions. You may be asked if you are prone to forgetting appointments or how often you interrupt others. Many evaluators will also request people who know you or your child well to fill out questionnaires based on their observations of your behavior. For adults, this could be spouses or siblings for children. It could be coaches, teachers, nannies or daycare workers. Personal insights can provide information that isn't feasible to collect from a survey. Some evaluators may also perform cognitive tests to determine if learning or mental disorders are contributing to your symptoms. They might also look for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or incipient psychosis. They might also test for underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism and seizure disorders. Some evaluators may give you or your children an ADHD screening test to gauge how you respond both to target and nontarget stimuli. The TOVA (Timed On Only Visual Attention) is a computerized test approved by the FDA that tests your ability to pay attention and remember a number of geometric shapes. The evaluator will examine the frequency with which you respond to non-target stimuli and how long it takes for you to respond to targeted stimuli. This can help evaluaters determine which type of ADHD you are whether you are inattentive or impulsive. Follow-up Multiple mental health professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD and provide ADHD evaluations. This can include a psychiatrist, psychologist psychotherapist, neurologist, or psychotherapist. The specialist will want to know what your concerns are and how long they have been occurring. He will also ask about any family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70-80 percent heritable. Genes play an important factor in determining if your child or you will experience symptoms. The specialist will be interested in knowing how your your child's ADHD affects your daily life at home, work and school. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in different environments because ADHD symptoms differ in different settings. To be diagnosed with ADHD either you or your child will also require at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that interferes with everyday functioning. The symptoms must last for at least six months. To determine the correct diagnosis, the specialist must rule out other conditions out. These could include other psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, intellectual disabilities, and certain medical disorders that affect the brain, such as thyroid disorders. The specialist will also ask about your child's or yourself's sleeping habits, as well as any accidents or injuries in the past that could have affected your child or your own brain development. The doctor will also determine whether the signs of ADHD in your child or you are caused by any health condition or medications you or your child take. The adverse effects of stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD, can include stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. These side effects could also be caused by other drugs like sleep medications, antidepressants, and a few sleep aids. The expert will determine if a comorbidity is present this means that your child or you is suffering from another illness that could cause symptoms of ADHD for example, bipolar disorder, depression anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will review the information and then make an assessment.