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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis Many adults don't discover they have ADHD until later in life. The first step to get diagnosed is to conduct a medical interview. The typical scenario involves the patient's family, friends, and other caregivers. Find a specialist by asking your primary care doctor or mental health therapist for recommendations. Find out about their academic and professional degrees. 1. Visit a Psychiatrist If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD seeking an evaluation is a first step towards gaining control over your condition. If you're a daydreamer and often lose your keys, or don't finish projects at home, then it is important to consult an expert in mental health that knows how to treat adult ADHD. A psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker could conduct an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Your family doctor might be able to conduct an assessment as well however, many of them are not knowledgeable about ADHD in adults. Visiting a specialist who is experienced with treating adult ADHD can make all the difference in the success of your treatment. Your healthcare provider will review your medical and psychiatric records during the assessment process. They will ask you standardized questions to evaluate your current behavior and determine if there are symptoms of ADHD. If your childhood behavior is relevant to the diagnosis, they will also consider it. They may request interviews with your significant other 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 among adults. Adults only require five symptoms to be diagnosed, while children and adolescents require six. Your clinician may suggest cognitive learning disabilities, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests based on your particular situation. It's important to note that medication isn't the only option for treating adult ADHD. A combination of psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help to manage symptoms too. adhd diagnosing can teach you strategies for managing stress, help in time management and organization skills and provide emotional support as you begin to learn to live with your ADHD. 2. Schedule an Evaluation While we usually think of ADHD as a child-like condition, it can continue into adulthood. This is why a diagnosis is just as important for adults. To get a diagnosis you'll have to undergo an assessment. The process may vary depending on the patient, but you can anticipate 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, including family and work. They'll also determine if there are any medical issues that could be contributing to your symptoms of ADHD. This could include thyroid issues as well as mood disorders or seizures. As part of the assessment you may be asked to provide the details of your symptoms as far as you can. Because ADHD develops in the early years of childhood, the evaluator will want to determine whether you experienced a few months of symptoms prior to the age of 12. This may require corroboration from teachers or parents. A thorough evaluation is crucial because, if not treated untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. It can affect your job and relationships. It can also lead to financial difficulties and make it difficult to pay bills or keeping on top of them. Ask your physician for a recommendation or contact a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to share information about their training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If they're not willing or do not provide this information, it's a warning sign. You can also locate an ADHD professional by asking people who have ADHD for recommendations or searching for professionals on the internet. 3. Request a Consultation It is essential to choose the right mental health professional to determine if you have adhd. You should seek out a professional who has experience working with ADHD in adults and who will spend the time to thoroughly assess you for the condition. If you're not familiar with specialists who specialize in ADHD you can inquire with your insurance policy to see whether there are any experts within your network with experience in ADHD evaluation and treatment. When you've found a professional, the first step is to arrange an initial appointment. The psychologist or psychiatrist will meet with you to determine if ADHD is a valid diagnosis for your symptoms. They will also perform a full physical examination that includes hearing and vision tests, to ensure that there isn't a health issue causing your symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms you experience must have been present for at least six months and must affect your ability to perform in at least two settings. This includes situations at home, school in the workplace, and in social environments. You may be asked to fill in an assessment system for your behavior to help you recognize your symptoms. The evaluator may also ask you about your family history of ADHD and may use an assessment checklist to evaluate your symptoms against the DSM-5 criteria. They may also ask you questions about your school, family life, and determine whether there is a pattern to your behavior which could indicate ADHD. Your doctor may also decide to perform brain scans and blood tests as part of the evaluation. They will also be looking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression, sleep disorders anxiety, depression and learning disabilities. 4. Do a Psychiatric Assessment The first step to controlling symptoms and getting treatment is to get an ADHD diagnosis. If you're having trouble getting your focus on work, slipping up your keys or have difficulties maintaining relationships, a clear diagnosis can help you improve your life. Your doctor will require you to be questioned and asked about your past history of ADHD symptoms. They'll want to know about your family history, where and how you noticed the symptoms manifest and understand how those symptoms have affected your work, home life, social life, and overall health. It is essential to be open and honest. The psychiatrist or psychologist who conducts your psychiatric examination will also go over your medical and mental health history. They will also utilize an extensive checklist to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD. These criteria are laid out in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1. Your evaluator may also want to take other tests in addition to evaluating your ADHD symptoms. These could include cognitive tests to rule out mental or learning disabilities that might be causing you issues. They'll also want to do a physical exam to rule out illnesses like seizures and thyroid disorders that can sometimes cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Psychologists who conduct psychological testing have specialized training that prepares them to conduct thorough tests for a variety of disorders. They are able to recognize symptoms of a wide range of disorders, including depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and other mental health issues. 5. Perform a medical evaluation You will be questioned by a psychiatrist or mental health professional about your symptoms. The interview can last for up to an hour or longer, depending on the practitioner. During this time, you will be asked to describe your symptoms and issues in detail. You might be asked to fill out similar forms by your parents or teachers. These questionnaires are designed to have the same set of questions that are uniform which improves reliability and reduces the chance that interviewers will provide different answers. They will ask about your symptoms both in the present moment and in childhood. They will also go over the diagnostic criteria to determine the number of ADHD characteristics you meet. Certain evaluators may be inclined to run additional tests. For instance, some run cognitive tests to look for any intellectual or learning impairments which could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They will also screen your symptoms for other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. They may also conduct medical tests to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. Answering these questions honestly and completely is essential. While it may be uncomfortable to discuss your struggles it can aid the evaluator in finding out as much as possible about your difficulties. They will utilize this information to determine if your ADHD symptoms are a result of an additional condition or if you have ADHD. It is not uncommon for a psychiatric assessor to inquire from other people about your symptoms. They are likely to talk to your spouse or partner, especially in the case of an adult. They may also want to speak with your children's teachers, parents, or daycare providers.