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Getting a Diagnosis For ADHD A psychiatrist or another medical professional will conduct a clinical interview to determine the presence of ADHD. They can utilize an established checklist. They will also screen you for mood disorders, autism and learning disabilities. They will often request family members, friends and coworkers — including teachers and coaches to fill out questionnaires. This will give valuable information that can't be culled from the answers of a patient's. Psychological Evaluation The psychiatric examination is a vital first step in getting the appropriate treatment for someone who has ADHD. The patient will be asked numerous questions and will undergo an examination. This is a good way to rule out physical ailments such as a thyroid issue which could cause symptoms resembling ADHD. During the psychiatric assessment, the psychiatrist will review the patient's medical, family and mental health history. They will also discuss the symptoms and how they affect the individual's life. It is essential that the patient is honest and not hide information due to fears of shame or embarrassment. The psychiatrist will also talk about any previous traumas the patient has experienced. This is because it is possible that a particular event may have caused an emotional response that can cause symptoms of ADHD. The doctor will also ask about the person's relationships, their job and the sources of stress in their life. When it is time to determine the diagnosis of ADHD and its symptoms, the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). During an interview, the doctor will determine if the patient's symptoms meet the DSM criteria for ADHD. In order to meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and interfere with a person's daily functioning in more than one setting. This means that the person has to be struggling in more than one area of their life. For instance, at work, school and at home. Although they can be useful in determining if someone is suffering from ADHD, psychological tests aren't always accurate. These tests assess different aspects of an individual's behavior, such as impulsivity and inattention. However, they are unable to determine whether a person has an impairment in learning or a different problem that causes the symptoms of ADHD. If the results of a psychiatric assessment suggest that the patient suffers from ADHD, then the next step would be to talk with the services of a therapist. Therapists are able to assist people in dealing with their emotions and provide counseling, whereas psychiatrists are physicians and is able to prescribe medications. Medical Evaluation The first step in addressing symptoms of ADHD that can cause havoc both professionally and personally is to obtain an assessment. Your doctor can perform an evaluation and may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD for an accurate and thorough assessment. Some insurance companies have lists of specialists by specialization which can be useful in finding someone who is knowledgeable about the condition. You can also seek suggestions from friends, family members and colleagues. Another option is to contact an adult support group with ADHD and ask for recommendations for professionals in your region. The evaluator will talk to you to gather information regarding your past experiences with ADHD and how it impacts your work, home and relationships. During this process, it's important that you be completely honest and open about your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. Many adults who seek a diagnose feel embarrassed about their condition and may hide information out of fear of being judged or embarrassment. This can affect the outcome of your assessment. You may undergo a physical exam to determine whether your symptoms are related to medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be tested for depression or other mood disorders, as they may cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. You may be required to take cognitive tests to determine how well you think and process information. If your evaluator feels you might benefit from medication, he will suggest a treatment program. The most common treatment for ADHD are stimulants, which increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, or certain antidepressants are also available and work more slowly than stimulants. Your evaluator can assist you choose the right medication for you, and will discuss any adverse effects. You may be able to participate in a clinical trial which is a research study that aims to find new ways to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Speak to your doctor about any possible risks and benefits that come with taking part in a trial. Behavioral Evaluation Behavioral evaluations are the cornerstone of diagnosing ADHD. They require a thorough interview with the patient as well as, for children, caregivers, and teachers as well as the taking part in ratings scales and questionnaires. The healthcare provider may also conduct tests of cognitive abilities (such as short-term memory, auditory attention, verbal ability, visual abilities and problem-solving skills) to determine if there are the presence of other disorders, such as learning disorders or mood problems. The healthcare practitioner will also review the family history and perform an examination. In a typical examination, the healthcare practitioner will ask about how often a child or patient fidgets, is antsy or fidgety, is having trouble waiting their turn, becomes frustrated easily, forgets easily or interrupts others. The healthcare practitioner will also take into account any trouble the patient has with schoolwork, work or relationships, and determine if they are having an adverse effect on the patient's life. The most important aspect to take into consideration when diagnosing ADHD is whether the symptoms are “clinically relevant” which means that they cause a “significant impairment” in academic, social or occupational functioning. The DSM-V is a child-friendly diagnosis and therefore, diagnosing an adult can be more difficult. However, a skilled physician is still able identify the cause of the problem. In addition to conducting a thorough medical interview, the healthcare provider will often also speak with the patient's parents and other people who are familiar with them. This allows the healthcare practitioner to get additional details, that aren't readily apparent to them, and it also confirms the patient's statements. I Am Psychiatry might also want to speak with the patient's teachers or colleagues at work, and might give the patient surveys to complete and return prior to their next appointment. This feedback is very helpful to both the healthcare professional and the patient, as it provides a clear picture of their current state of functioning. It gives the healthcare professional an opportunity to make treatment recommendations. Medication Evaluation There are numerous online ADHD tests and questionnaires to help you decide whether you need a professional assessment. While they aren't able to diagnose you, they can be useful tools to inform your doctor that you have been thinking about an evaluation for some time. It is important to select the right specialist who has experience treating children and adults with ADHD. You may need to interview several professionals before finding the one that is comfortable and appropriate for you. You can ask your family and friends or your health insurance provider for suggestions. The specialist will want you or your child to talk with them and evaluate the symptoms over a period of time. She may also wish to see how symptoms impact your daily moods, behaviors and productivity. She may consult symptom lists or interview people who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, sibling, teacher, coach, or religious leader if you're a child or adult — to obtain more information than you can give in questionnaires. Your doctor will take into consideration your gender, age, and if the symptoms occur at school and work. She will also determine if other conditions such as anxiety or depression could be the cause of your symptoms. She will also rule out physical problems which cause symptoms similar to ADHD or thyroid issues or a seizure disorder. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a welcome relief for people who have struggled to develop life skills like listening, following directions and organizing. It can be difficult to accept that you're not able to control the things many people do easily. A diagnosis may help explain your struggles and lead you to treatments that make your life easier. If your doctor finds that you or your child meets all of the criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will give you a referral for medication. You'll need to schedule an appointment with a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health professional to discuss medications.