5 Reasons Getting An ADHD Diagnosis Is Actually A Great Thing
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It is the reason why some people struggle to stay focused, following directions or staying focused.
Ask your family doctor or therapist for a referral to a specialist. Also, inquire with your insurance company to see if they cover ADHD evaluations for adults.
The Diagnosis Process
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist nurse will be required to evaluate adults in order to make a proper diagnosis. They are the only healthcare experts who can diagnose ADHD in adults.
A typical initial evaluation will start with a thorough interview about your lifestyle and symptoms. The healthcare professional may also inquire about how long you have had symptoms and how they are affecting your life. They might ask you to speak with a close friend or family member about your symptoms.
The evaluation process will also include questions regarding your childhood. Since current guidelines don't allow a doctor to diagnose ADHD in adults without evidence of the disorder being present in childhood, the healthcare professional may wish to look at your school records or talk with teachers or other people who knew you as a kid. They'll also ask if you have had any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In some instances, an evaluator may suggest cognitive tests such as IQ testing or assessments for memory or learning problems. They may also suggest that you undergo other types of medical tests to rule out physical issues that may cause your symptoms.
If the healthcare professional is confident that your symptoms are related to ADHD They will suggest additional diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. These tests may include urine and blood tests and a medical exam and perhaps educational or psychological tests.
Tests are used to determine the concentrations of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD in your body, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They will also test your blood pressure and heart rate. You may also be offered a spirometry, which measures lung capacity. They may also recommend that you undergo an MRI of your brain to check for structural or functional abnormalities. In certain instances the evaluator might suggest that you or your child be evaluated for other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms similar to ADHD such as depression and anxiety, or mood and personality disorders.
The Interview
There are plenty of ADHD questions and quizzes that can act as a screening tool before you make an appointment with your doctor. These tests can be useful in alerting you to the possibility of ADHD however the only way to get a diagnosis is with an experienced medical professional who conducts a thorough medical interview and doesn't rush into prescribing medication.
This process can last between 2 to 3 hours. It includes explaining to the patient about ADHD and the possible impact it has on their symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults may also ask about any history of depression or substance abuse as 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 clinician will also want to review the student'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 facts that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires.
Some doctors rush through this procedure or insist on only visiting a patient once rather than completing a complete examination. This could lead to a misdiagnosis. If the doctor is too rigid about the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and insists that a patient needs to display at least six symptoms to be diagnosed this is an indication of trouble.
The evaluator could 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 evaluator then compares the ratings to the checklist and determines if there is ADHD.
For certain adults, it may be a relief to finally be diagnosed with ADHD. The deep-seated emotions, such as guilt or grief for not achieving expectations or that the disorder was not noticed until later in life, can be a bit complicated. ADHD is defined by impulsivity and a lack of concentration. These traits can lead to grave consequences in a variety of areas such as relationships, careers, and health.
The Tests
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and complicated process. It involves lots of paperwork as well as tests, interviews and other forms of testing. The best method to prepare is to seek recommendations from family, friends and doctors you are confident with. You should also research the specialist and their credentials to make sure they are a good fit for your needs. It is crucial to find a professional who is specialized in diagnosing ADHD. This will ensure that you or your child receives an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment.
The first step in an ADHD assessment is an interview with the evaluation expert. The evaluator may ask you or your child questions in order to know more about your symptoms. The evaluator wants to know how your symptoms affect your life and whether they impact work, school or relationships. The evaluator may also use ratings scales to gauge your ADHD symptoms. These are usually checklists where you or someone you know is asked a set of questions. You might be asked whether you often forget appointments or how often you interrupt other people.
Many evaluators will also ask people who are familiar with your child or you to complete questionnaires on what they have observed. Adults could be asked to complete questionnaires by their spouses or children. Children may be required to complete questionnaires by teachers, coaches, daycare workers or the nannies. Personal insights can reveal information that is not possible to obtain through a questionnaire.
Some evaluators may also perform cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disorders are contributing to your symptoms. They can also test for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression, or an underlying psychosis. They might also test for underlying conditions such as seizure disorders and hypothyroidism.
Some evaluators will give your child or you an ADHD screening test that measures how you respond to targeted 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 attention and retain a variety of geometric shapes. The evaluator will examine how often you respond non-target stimuli and how long it takes for you to respond to target stimuli. This will help the evaluators determine whether you have an impulsive ADHD or inattentional ADHD.
Follow-up
Many kinds of mental health professionals can offer ADHD assessments and provide an assessment. This can include psychologists, psychiatrists psychotherapist, neurologist, or psychotherapist. The specialist will inquire about what the issues you are facing and how long they have been occurring for. The specialist will also ask whether there is a family history of ADHD. The disorder is believed to be 70%-80 percent heritable. Genetics play a significant role in whether your child or you suffer from symptoms.
He will ask about how ADHD affects you or your child at home, school and at work. He will ask about your your child's behavior in various settings, because the symptoms of ADHD are different when they are present in different settings. In addition, to be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the parent or child must have at least six distinct signs of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsiveness that hinder daily functioning for at least 6 months.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the specialist will have to rule other conditions out. Other psychiatric conditions, anxiety and mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities could be a factor. Certain medical conditions that affect brain function, such as thyroid issues, may also be considered. Additionally, the doctor will ask about your or your child's sleeping patterns as well as any previous accidents or injuries that may 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 conditions or medications you or your child takes. The side effects of stimulant medication, such as those used to treat ADHD may include stomachaches and difficulty sleeping. Other medications, including antidepressants and certain sleep medications may also cause these side effects.
Finally, the expert will be required to determine if a comorbidity present, which means that your child or you has another condition that can cause symptoms of ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. The psychologist or psychiatrist will examine the data and make the diagnosis.