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Getting an ADHD DiagnosisReceiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a life altering experience. It explains why some people have difficulty staying focused in their work, following directions or staying focused.Ask your family physician or therapist to refer you to a specialist. Also make sure to inquire with your insurance company to see if they will cover ADHD evaluations for adults.The Diagnosis ProcessFor adults, a proper diagnosis will require an assessment by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse. These are the only healthcare experts who can diagnose ADHD in adults.A detailed interview about you and your symptoms is usually the first step in the initial evaluation. The healthcare professional may be able to inquire about the length of time you've been suffering from symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also suggest that you talk to your family member or close friend about your symptoms.The process of evaluating you will involve questions about your childhood. Since diagnose adhd don't permit a doctor to diagnose ADHD in adults without proof of the disorder being present in childhood, your healthcare provider may wish to look at your school records or talk with teachers or other individuals who knew you as a child. They may also inquire if you've had any other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.In certain situations, the evaluator will suggest cognitive testing, such as IQ tests or tests for memory or learning issues. They may also recommend that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out any physical conditions which could be causing your symptoms.If your healthcare professional is certain that your symptoms are due to ADHD, they may recommend additional tests to confirm and determine the severity of the condition. These tests may include blood and urine tests, medical examinations, and possibly psychological or educational tests.Tests are conducted to measure levels of certain chemicals that could be linked with ADHD in your body, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They will also check your heart rate and blood pressure. You could also receive the spirometry test to determine your lung capacity. They may also recommend that you undergo a brain scan to check for functional or structural abnormalities. In certain instances your evaluator may suggest that you or a child be examined for any conditions that have similar symptoms with ADHD, like anxiety and depression or mood and personality disorders.The InterviewThere are a variety of ADHD questions and quizzes that can act as a screening instrument before you schedule an appointment with your doctor. These tests can provide you with the information that you have ADHD However, an interview with a doctor is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.The process can take between 2 and 3 hours. It includes educating the patient about ADHD and its possible effects on their symptoms. It could also involve the clinician asking about a history of depression or abuse of substances since 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 doctor will also want to look over the patient's school records and talk to teachers. If the patient is an older adult, they could also interview a spouse or a family member. Personal insight can reveal details that aren't possible to obtain from questionnaires.Some doctors are in a rush and don't bother with this step or they may insist on seeing a patient only once, rather than conducting a full evaluation. This could lead to a incorrect diagnosis. This is a red-flag if the clinician is too rigid in their criteria to diagnose ADHD.For adults, the evaluator could ask the patient to complete scores for each of the symptoms on an ADHD checklist and give examples of how these symptoms have impacted their lives. The evaluator then compares the scores with the checklist and determines if there is ADHD.For some adults, it could be a relief to finally be diagnosed with ADHD. The deep-seated emotions, such as guilt or grief for not living up to expectations or the fact that the disorder was not recognized until later in the life, can be a bit complicated. ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and a lack of focus. These characteristics can have serious consequences in many areas, including relationships as well as careers and health.The TestsIt can be difficult and confusing to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. It requires many forms, interviews and tests. It is possible to prepare by obtaining recommendations from trusted doctors, family members and friends. Research the specialist's credentials and make sure that they meet your requirements. It is essential to find a professional who specializes in diagnosing ADHD. This is to ensure 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 assessment. The evaluation will ask questions about your child or you to learn more about your symptoms. The evaluator will want to know how your symptoms affect your life and whether they interfere with school, work or relationships. The evaluator could also employ rating scales to measure your ADHD symptoms. These are typically checklists in which you or someone you know is asked a series of questions. For example, you might be asked if you often forget appointments, or be asked how often you interrupt other people.Many evaluators also solicit those who know you or your child well to fill in questionnaires about their observations of your behavior. For adults, this could include spouses or siblings for children. It could be coaches, teachers, nannies or daycare workers. Personal insights can reveal information that is not possible to obtain from a questionnaire.Certain evaluators might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if learning or mental disorders are contributing to your symptoms. They could 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 could also screen for underlying conditions like hypothyroidism and seizure disorders.A few evaluators will offer you or your children an ADHD screening test to determine your response to non-target and target stimuli. For instance, the TOVA (Timed On-Only Visual Attention) is an FDA-cleared computerized test that assesses your ability to pay attention and recall geometric shapes. The evaluator will look at the frequency at which you respond to non-targeted stimuli, and the length of time it takes to respond to the target stimuli. This can help evaluators determine if you suffer from an impulsive ADHD or inattentive ADHD.The Follow-UpA variety of mental health professionals can provide ADHD evaluations and provide an assessment. This can be a psychiatrist or psychologist as well as psychologist or neurologist. The specialist will ask you what your concerns are, and how long they have been occurring for. He will also ask if there any family history of ADHD. It is thought that the disorder is 70%-80 percent hereditary and that genetics are a major factor in whether you or your child will have symptoms.The specialist will want to know how your or your child's ADHD impacts your daily life at home, work, and at school. He will ask you or your child about their behavior in various situations since ADHD symptoms differ in different settings. In addition, to be eligible for an assessment of ADHD you or your child must exhibit at least six distinct signs of hyperactivity, inattention or the impulsivity that affect daily functioning for a minimum of 6 months.To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor must rule out other conditions out. Other psychiatric disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders and intellectual disabilities might be considered. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, like thyroid issues, should also be considered. The doctor will also inquire about your child or yourself's 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 signs of ADHD in you or your children are caused by any health condition or medications you or your child are taking. Side effects of stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can include stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. Other drugs, such as antidepressants and certain sleep medications, can also have these side effects.Finally, the expert will be required to determine if a comorbidity present which 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 eating disorder. The psychiatrist or psychologist will go through all the information and determine an assessment.