How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Many adults don't discover they have ADHD until later in their lives. The first step in getting a diagnosis is a formal interview. This will usually involve the patient, their family and friends, and other caregivers.
Ask your primary medical doctor or mental health therapist to suggest a specialist. Then research their professional certification and academic degrees.
1. Visit a Psychiatrist
If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD, getting an evaluation is a first step towards taking control over your condition. If you're a dreamer and often lose your keys, or don't finish projects at home, then it's important to speak with a mental health specialist who knows how to treat adults with ADHD.
A psychiatrist or clinical social worker psychologist can diagnose ADHD. Your family doctor may also perform an assessment, but they have limited knowledge of ADHD in adults. A specialist with expertise in treating adults with ADHD may be the key to your treatment success.
Your doctor will review your medical and mental health records during the assessment process. They will employ standardized questions to evaluate your behavior and determine if you have 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), published by the American Psychiatric Association, has updated its criteria for diagnosing ADHD for adults. Adults only need five symptoms to be diagnosed, whereas adolescents and children require six. Your clinician may suggest cognitive or learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests based on your specific situation.
It's important to note, too, that medication isn't the only option to treat adult ADHD. Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can also aid in managing symptoms. A therapist can assist you with stress management, time management and organizational skills. They can also provide emotional support as you learn to live with ADHD.
2. Schedule and an Evaluation
ADHD can last throughout adulthood. A diagnosis is important for adults. To receive a diagnosis it is necessary to go through an assessment. The process can vary in each case, but you should expect a lengthy interview with a medical professional, a physical exam and a series of questionnaires or rating scales.
For adults, evaluators will look at how your symptoms are impacting various aspects of your life, including family and work. They will also consider any medical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disorders as well as mood disorders or seizures.
As part of the assessment you may be asked to give a history of your symptoms as far as you can. Since ADHD develops during childhood, the evaluator will be looking to determine if you had just a few months of afflictions before age 12. This may require confirmation from your parents or teachers.
The right assessment is important because without treatment untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. It can impact your career, relationships, and self-esteem. It can also create financial difficulties and make it difficult to pay bills or keeping the track of them.
Ask your doctor for a referral or contact a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to give information about their education and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If they are hesitant or refuse to provide this information, it's a warning sign. You can also locate an ADHD professional by asking other people with ADHD for recommendations or searching online for professionals.
3. Request a Consultation
It's crucial that you choose the most qualified mental health specialist to determine if you have adhd. You should seek out a professional who has expertise in ADHD in adults and who will spend the time to thoroughly examine you for the disorder. If you're not familiar with professionals who specialize in ADHD, you can check your insurance plan to determine if there are any experts in your network who have training in ADHD assessment and treatment.
When you've found a professional, the first step will be to schedule an initial consultation. The psychiatrist or psychologist will meet with you to determine if ADHD is a good diagnosis for your symptoms. They will also do a full checkup, including hearing and vision tests, to ensure that a different health issue isn't the cause of your issues.
Your symptoms must have been present at least six months and affect your ability to perform in two different situations to be classified as ADHD. This includes your home, school or work situations. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may be asked to fill out an assessment system for your behavior to help you recognize your behavior patterns.
The evaluator may also inquire about your family's history of ADHD and may also use a checklist to assess your symptoms against the DSM-5 criteria. They will also ask questions about your school, family life, and will determine whether there is a pattern to your behavior that could indicate ADHD.
In addition, your professional might decide to conduct blood work and brain scans as part of the process of evaluation. They will also be looking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including sleep disorders, depression anxiety, stress, and learning disabilities.
4. Perform a Psychiatric Assessment
The first step in reducing symptoms and getting treatment is to get an ADHD diagnosis. If you are having trouble getting your focus on work, slipping up your keys or have difficulty maintaining relationships, an accurate diagnosis will help you to improve your life.
Your doctor will interview you and ask about your past experiences with ADHD symptoms. They'll be interested in knowing your family history, when and where you noticed the symptoms, and how they have affected your work and social life. It is crucial to be honest and open.
The psychologist or psychiatrist conducting your psychiatric assessment will also examine your medical background. They will also utilize a thorough checklist to assess your symptoms and determine whether they 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 might also want to take other tests in addition to assessing your ADHD symptoms. This could include cognitive tests to determine if you have mental or learning impairments that might be causing you issues. You may also need to conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as thyroid disorders and seizures that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Psychologists who perform psychological testing are trained to a specific level, which allows them to conduct thorough tests for a wide range of disorders. They are qualified to identify symptoms of a wide range of disorders, such as anxiety and depression as well as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health issues.
5. Complete a Medical Assessment
You will be interviewed by psychiatrists or a mental health professional about your symptoms. The length of the interview will differ depending on the practitioner, but it usually lasts an hour or more. During this time, you will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail and answer questions regarding your symptoms. You may also be requested to have your teachers or caregivers complete similar forms.
These questionnaires are designed to have the same set of questions that are standardised, increasing reliability and reducing the chance that interviewers will provide different answers. They will ask you about your symptoms in both the present time and since your childhood. They will also go over the diagnostic criteria to determine how many ADHD characteristics you meet.
Certain evaluators may be inclined to run additional tests. For instance, some conduct cognitive tests to check for any intellectual or learning impairments which could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They may also test for other ailments that could be causing your symptoms, like depression or anxiety. They may also conduct medical exams to rule out other reasons for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
Answering these questions honestly and fully is vital. While it may be uncomfortable to share your problems but it will aid the evaluator in finding out as much as possible about your difficulties. They will utilize this information to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are due to an additional condition or if you are suffering from ADHD.
It is not uncommon for a psychiatrist to ask other people about your symptoms. They will often ask to speak with your spouse or partner, especially if they are adults. They may also want to talk with your parents, teachers or daycare providers, if you have children.