How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Many adults do not realize they have ADHD until later in their lives. The first step in receiving a diagnosis is a medical interview. It usually involves the patient, his family, friends, and other caregivers.
Ask your primary medical doctor or mental health professional to recommend a specialist. Research their academic and professional degrees.
1. Visit a Psychiatrist
If you've been exhibiting symptoms of ADHD seeking a professional assessment is the first step to gaining control over your condition. If you're a daydreamer, often lose your keys, or you don't complete tasks at home, then it is important to consult a mental health specialist who is aware of how to treat adult ADHD.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker could perform an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Your family physician can also perform an assessment, but many have limited knowledge of ADHD in adults. A specialist who has experience treating adult ADHD may be the key to your treatment success.
In the evaluation process your doctor will examine your psychiatric and personal history. They will ask you standardized questions to assess your current behavior and determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. They will also consider your childhood behaviors when they relate to the diagnosis. They may ask for interviews with your significant other or friends and colleagues, as well.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which was published by the American Psychiatric Association, has revised its criteria for identifying ADHD for adults. Adults only require five symptoms to be diagnosed, whereas children and adolescents require six. Your physician may suggest cognitive or learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests depending on your particular situation.
It's also important to keep in mind that medication is not the only treatment option for adult ADHD. Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy can also help to manage symptoms. A therapist can help you learn techniques for managing stress, assist with organization and time management skills and provide emotional support as you learn how to manage your ADHD.
2. Schedule and an Evaluation
ADHD can persist into adulthood. This is why a diagnosis is just as important for adults. You'll have to undergo an evaluation to obtain a diagnosis. The process can vary however, you should anticipate an extended interview with a health professional, a physical exam and a series questionnaires or rating scales.
For adults evaluations will consider how your symptoms are impacting various aspects of your life, such as family and work. They will also look at underlying medical conditions which could be causing symptoms similar to ADHD. These might include thyroid disorders or mood disorders, as well as seizures.
You may be asked to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. The examiner may request the details of your symptoms as long as is possible, given that ADHD is a disorder that affects children. This might require confirmation from your parents or teachers.
The right assessment is essential because, without treatment untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. It can impact your career, relationships and self-esteem. It can also lead to financial issues and difficulties in paying bills or keeping on top of them.
Ask your doctor for a recommendation or consult a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share information about their level of training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If they're not willing or refuse to provide this information, it's a warning sign. You can also locate an expert who is qualified by asking for recommendations from other people with ADHD or by looking up online lists of professionals.
3. Schedule a Consultation
It's crucial that you choose the right mental health specialist to identify you as having adhd. You'll want to find someone who has experience in ADHD in adults, and who can thoroughly evaluate you. If you don't have any experts who specialize in ADHD you can inquire with your insurance company to determine whether they have specialists who are certified in ADHD assessment and treatment.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with the expert you've chosen. The psychologist or psychiatrist will meet with you to determine if ADHD is a valid diagnosis for your symptoms. They'll also conduct a full physical examination that includes hearing and vision tests, to confirm that there's no other health issue causing your problems.
Your symptoms must have been present at least six months and affect your ability to perform in two different environments to be classified as ADHD. This includes home, school as well as work situations. You may be asked to fill out a behavior rating system to help you recognize your behavior patterns.
The evaluator will also inquire about the history of your family's ADHD, and use a checklist for scoring your symptoms in relation to the DSM-5 criteria. They will also interview you about your family, education and work routine to determine if there are any patterns in your behavior that might indicate the presence of ADHD.
Your doctor may also decide to perform brain scans and blood tests as part of the assessment. They will also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, sleep disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities.
4. Take a Psychiatric Examination
The first step towards resolving symptoms and getting treatment is to get an ADHD diagnosis. Whether you keep losing your keys, find it difficult to concentrate at work or your relationships are suffering, a precise diagnosis is crucial to rectifying these issues and determining the most effective strategies for coping.
Your doctor will interview you and inquire about your history with ADHD symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing your family history, when and when you first noticed the symptoms, and how they have affected your social and professional life. It is essential to be honest and open.
The psychiatrist or psychologist who performs your psychiatric evaluation will also look over your medical and mental health history. They will also utilize a thorough checklist to assess your symptoms and determine if you satisfy the criteria for ADHD. These criteria are laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition.
In addition to looking at your ADHD symptoms the evaluator may require additional tests. This could include cognitive testing to rule out intellectual or learning issues that could be causing your problems. You may also need to conduct physical examinations to rule out illnesses like seizures and thyroid disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Psychologists who conduct psychological tests are trained to a specific level, which allows for thorough assessments for a variety of disorders. They are trained to spot symptoms of a wide range of disorders, including depression and anxiety as well as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues.
5. Complete a Medical Assessment
You will be interviewed by a psychiatrist or mental health professional about your symptoms. The interview can last for up to one hour or more depending on the specialist. During this time you will be asked to explain your symptoms and concerns in detail. You may be asked to complete similar forms by your parents or teachers.
These questionnaires ask a series of questions that are standardized to improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood that different interviewers will arrive at different conclusions. They will inquire about your symptoms both in the present time and since your childhood. They will also review diagnostic criteria to determine the number of ADHD characteristics you exhibit.
Some evaluators might also require additional tests. For example, some will run cognitive tests to look for any intellectual or learning impairments which could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They also look for other illnesses that could be contributing to your symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety. They can also conduct medical exams to rule other possible causes for your symptoms such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
Answering these questions honestly and completely is essential. It might be awkward to discuss your problems, but it will help the evaluator gain as much information as is possible. This information will be used to determine if your ADHD symptoms can be attributed to another condition or if it is ADHD.
It is not unusual for a psychiatrist to ask other people about your symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will often ask to speak to your partner or spouse particularly if they're adults. They may also wish to talk to your children's teachers, parents or daycare providers.