How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Many adults don't discover they have ADHD until later in life. The first step towards getting a diagnosis is a formal interview. It usually involves the patient, family friends, as well as other caregivers.
Find an expert by asking your primary care physician or mental health therapist recommendations. Find out about their professional and academic degrees.
1. Visit a Psychiatrist
If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD seeking an assessment is the first step towards gaining control over your condition. If you're a daydreamer or often lose your keys, or don't finish projects at home, then it is important to consult an expert in mental health who is aware of how to treat adult ADHD.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker could perform an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Your family physician may be able to perform an assessment, too although many have no knowledge of ADHD in adults. A specialist who has had experience treating adults with ADHD may be the most important factor in your treatment's success.
Your doctor will review your medical and psychiatric histories during the assessment process. They will employ standardized questions to assess your behavior and determine if there are symptoms of ADHD. They will also take into consideration your childhood behavior if they are relevant to the diagnosis. They may ask for interviews with significant others or friends and colleagues, too.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, has revised its criteria for identifying ADHD among adults. Adults need now only five signs to meet the criteria, while children and adolescents must have six to receive a diagnosis. Based on your specific situation, your clinician may suggest cognitive, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to know the way ADHD affects you.
It's important to remember that medication isn't your only treatment option for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms. A therapist can teach you strategies for managing stress, help with organization and time management skills and provide emotional support as you begin to learn how to manage your ADHD.
2. Schedule for an Evaluation
ADHD can persist throughout adulthood. A diagnosis is important for adults. You'll have to undergo an evaluation to receive a diagnosis. The process may vary, but expect to undergo an extended interview with medical professionals and a physical exam and a series of questionnaires or rating systems.
Adults will be evaluated on how their symptoms impact different areas of their lives, like work and family. They'll also look into whether you have any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms of ADHD. These include thyroid disorders as well as mood disorders or seizures.
You might be asked to give an in-depth account of your symptoms. The examiner may ask you to provide a history of your symptoms as long back as possible, since ADHD is a child-related disorder. This might require confirmation from parents or teachers.
A thorough evaluation is essential because, without treatment untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. It can impact your work and relationships. In addition, it can create financial problems and difficulties keeping track of expenses or making payments.
To determine the most suitable assessor for your needs consult your physician for a referral or call a mental health professional specializing in adult ADHD. Most professionals will be willing to give you information regarding their training level and experience working with adults with ADHD. If they're not willing or unwilling to share the information, it's a red flag. You can also find an expert who is qualified by asking for recommendations from people with ADHD or by looking through online lists of professionals.
3. Contact us to schedule a consultation
It is essential to choose the right mental health professional to diagnose you with adhd. You'll want to find a doctor who has experience with ADHD in adults and who will spend the time to thoroughly assess you for the condition. If you do not know of any specialists who specialize in ADHD you can contact your insurance company to determine whether they have experts who are trained in ADHD assessment and treatment.
The first step is to schedule a consult with the professional you've chosen. The psychiatrist or psychologist will meet with you to determine whether ADHD is a good diagnosis for your symptoms. They'll also conduct complete tests, including vision and hearing tests to ensure that another health issue isn't the cause of your difficulties.
Your symptoms must have been evident for at least six months and have impacted your ability to function in two different settings to be classified as ADHD. This includes your home, school, work, and social situations. You may be asked to fill out a scale of behavior rating to help you identify your particular symptoms.
The evaluator will also inquire about the history of your family's ADHD, and use a checklist to assess your symptoms in relation to the DSM-5 criteria. They may also ask you questions about your school, family life, and will determine if there is a pattern in your behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
Your professional may also choose to conduct brain scans and blood tests in the course of the evaluation. They will also check other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like sleep disorders and anxiety.
4. Take a Psychiatric Examination
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards getting treatment and controlling symptoms that could be causing destruction on your life. If you are constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to focus at work or if your relationships are suffering, a precise diagnosis is crucial for improving these issues and determining the most effective strategies for coping.
Your doctor will need you to be interviewed and inquire about your history of ADHD symptoms. They will want to know about your family history, where and when you first noticed the symptoms develop and understand how those symptoms have affected your work, home life, social life and overall wellbeing. IamPsychiatry is essential to be honest and open.
The psychologist or psychiatrist who is conducting your psychiatric assessment will also review your medical background. They will also use a thorough checklist to examine your symptoms and determine if they 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 examining your ADHD symptoms, your evaluator will likely require additional tests. This could include cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disabilities that might be causing you difficulties. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizures, which can sometimes be a symptom of ADHD.
Psychologists who conduct psychological testing have specialized training that prepares them to conduct thorough tests for a wide range of disorders. They are able to recognize symptoms of a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and depression as well as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health issues.
5. Take a medical exam
You will be questioned by psychiatrists or a mental health professional about your symptoms. The interview can last for up to one hour or more, depending on the practitioner. During this time, you will discuss your issues in detail and answer questions regarding your symptoms. You may be required to complete similar forms by your caregivers or educators.
These questionnaires are composed of questions that are standardized to improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood that different interviewers could have different results. They will ask about your symptoms both in the present moment and in your childhood. They will also review the diagnostic criteria to determine the amount of ADHD features you exhibit.
Some evaluators might require other tests in addition. Some evaluators also conduct cognitive tests to check for learning or intellectual disabilities that could be causing ADHD symptoms. They can also test your symptoms for other illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. They may also conduct medical exams to rule out other causes for your symptoms, for instance thyroid disorders or seizure disorders.
Answering these questions honestly and completely is crucial. Although it is uncomfortable to share your problems but it will aid the evaluator in finding out as much as possible about your issues. They will analyze this information to determine if your ADHD symptoms are due to other conditions or if you are suffering from ADHD.
It is not unusual for a psychiatrist to ask other people about your symptoms. They may want to talk to your partner or spouse, especially when you are an adult. They might also want to speak with your children's teachers, parents, or daycare providers.