How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Many adults do not realize they have ADHD until later in their lives. The first step towards being diagnosed is a clinical interview. This usually involves the patient, family friends, as well as other caregivers.
Find an expert by asking your primary care physician or mental health therapist for recommendations. You can then research their professional certifications and academic degrees.
1. Visit a Psychiatrist
If you have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD and need a professional evaluation, it is the first step in taking control of your condition. If you are a daydreamer and often lose your keys, or never complete projects at home, then it's important to speak with an expert in mental health who knows how to treat adult ADHD.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker could conduct an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Your family doctor can also perform an assessment, however many have limited knowledge of ADHD in adults. A specialist who has experience treating adult ADHD could be the most important factor in your treatment's success.
During the evaluation process your healthcare provider will review your personal and psychiatric history. They will ask you standardized questions to evaluate your current behavior and determine if there are symptoms of ADHD. They will also take into account your childhood behavior if they are relevant to the diagnosis. They might request interviews with significant others or friends and colleagues too.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, has updated its criteria for diagnosing ADHD for adults. Adults only require five symptoms to be diagnosed, whereas children and adolescents require six. Based on your particular situation, your clinician may suggest cognitive, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing to comprehend the way ADHD affects you.
It's also important to note that medication isn't the only treatment option for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms. A therapist can help you learn strategies for managing stress, help in time management and organization skills, and offer emotional support as you begin to learn to live with your ADHD.
2. Schedule an Evaluation
ADHD can persist throughout adulthood. A diagnosis is important for adults. You'll have undergo an examination to obtain a diagnosis. The procedure can differ, but expect to undergo an extended interview with an expert in medicine as well as a physical examination and a series questionnaires or rating systems.
Adults will be evaluated based on how their symptoms affect different areas of their lives, such as work and family. They'll also consider whether there are any medical issues that could be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. This could include thyroid issues as well as mood disorders and seizures.
You might be asked to provide a detailed history of your symptoms. The examiner may request a history of your symptoms as far back as possible, since ADHD is a child-related disorder. This could require confirmation from your teachers or parents.
It is important to get the correct diagnosis since untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. It can impact your career and relationships. Additionally, it could cause financial difficulties and trouble keeping track of the bills or making payments.
To determine the most suitable evaluator for you Ask your doctor for a referral, or consult a mental health professional specializing in adult ADHD. Most professionals are willing to provide information about their level of education and experience working with adults with ADHD. If they're hesitant or refuse to provide the information, it's a red flag. You can also find an ADHD professional by asking people who have ADHD for recommendations or searching online for professionals.
3. Schedule a Consultation
It's crucial that you choose the best mental health expert to determine if you have adhd. You'll want to look for someone who has experience with ADHD in adults and who will take the time to fully evaluate you for the disorder. If you don't know any professionals who specialize in ADHD you can inquire with your insurance company to see whether they have specialists who are certified in ADHD evaluation and treatment.
Once you find an expert, the first step is to arrange an initial appointment. This will allow the psychiatrist or psychologist to meet with you to determine whether ADHD is the most appropriate diagnosis for your symptoms. They'll also conduct an entire physical exam including hearing and vision tests, to ensure that there isn't a health issue causing your symptoms.
Your symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months ago and interfere with your ability function in two different settings to be classified as ADHD. This includes your home, school or work situations. You might also be asked to complete a scale of behavior rating to help identify your specific signs.
The evaluator will also likely ask you about your family history of ADHD and may also use a checklist to assess your symptoms against DSM-5 criteria. They will also ask you questions about your family, education and work environment to determine if there is any patterns in your behavior that might suggest the presence of ADHD.
Your doctor may also decide to perform brain scans and blood tests as part of the assessment. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including sleep disorders, depression anxiety, depression and learning disabilities.
4. Perform a Psychiatric Assessment
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is the first step to finding a treatment plan and reducing the symptoms that could be causing havoc on your life. If you're having trouble focusing at work, losing your keys, or are having difficulty maintaining relationships, a clear diagnosis will help you improve these issues.
Your doctor will interview you and ask about your past experiences with ADHD symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing your family history, how and when you first noticed the symptoms, as well as how they've affected your social and professional life. It is essential to be honest and never hide any information.
The psychologist or psychiatrist conducting your psychiatric assessment will also examine your medical history . They will also employ an extensive checklist to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD. These criteria are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition.
Your evaluator may also want to conduct other tests in addition to evaluating your ADHD symptoms. These could include cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disabilities that could be causing difficulties. They'll also need to perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as seizures and thyroid disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Psychologists who conduct psychological tests have specialized training that prepares for thorough assessments for a variety of disorders. They are able to recognize the signs of a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health issues.
5. Take a medical assessment
A psychiatrist or a mental health practitioner will interview you about your concerns. The interview can last for up to one hour or more, depending on the practitioner. During this time, you will be asked to write down your symptoms and problems in detail. You might be required to complete similar forms by your parents or teachers.
These questionnaires are designed to have a set of questions that are standardised which improves reliability and reduces the possibility that different interviewers can come up with different answers. They will ask you about your symptoms both now and from your childhood. They will also review diagnostic criteria to determine how many ADHD characteristics you exhibit.
Certain evaluators may require other tests too. Some evaluators also conduct cognitive tests in order to identify learning or intellectual disabilities which could be the cause of ADHD symptoms. They may also test for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety. They can also conduct medical tests to rule out any other causes of your symptoms such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders.
It is essential that you answer these questions in completeness and honestly. It can be uncomfortable to talk about your issues but it will assist the evaluator learn as much as possible. They will analyze this information to determine if your ADHD symptoms are due to other conditions or if you suffer from ADHD.
It is not uncommon for a psychiatric examiner to inquire about other people's experiences with your symptoms. They will often want to talk with your partner or spouse, particularly in the case of an adult. They might also want to talk with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers if you have children.