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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis Many adults do not realize they suffer from ADHD until much later in life. The first step towards getting a diagnosis is a medical interview. This usually involves the patient's family friends, as well as other caregivers. Ask your primary doctor or therapist for advice to suggest an expert. Then research their professional credentials and academic degrees. 1. Visit a Psychiatrist If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD, getting an assessment is the first step towards gaining control over your condition. If you're a dreamer and often lose your keys, or you don't complete tasks at home, it is crucial to talk with an expert in mental health that knows how to treat adult ADHD. A psychiatrist, clinical social worker or psychologist can diagnose ADHD. Your family doctor may also conduct an assessment, but they do not have a good understanding of ADHD in adults. A visit to a specialist familiar with treating adults with ADHD can make a huge difference in your treatment success. Your doctor will examine your medical and psychiatric histories during the evaluation process. They will use standardized questions to evaluate your current behavior and determine if you have symptoms of ADHD. If your childhood behavior is related to the diagnosis, they will also consider it. They may also ask to interview your significant other, family members and colleagues. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has been updated with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in adults. Adults need now only five symptoms to satisfy the criteria, while adolescents and children need six symptoms to be diagnosed. Your doctor may recommend cognitive, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests based on your situation. It's also important to remember that medication isn't the only treatment option for adult ADHD. Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy can also aid in managing symptoms. A therapist can help you with stress management as well as time management and organization skills. They can also provide emotional support as you learn to live with ADHD. 2. Schedule an Evaluation While we often think of ADHD as a child-like condition but it can be a recurring issue into adulthood. This is why a diagnosis is equally crucial for adults. You'll have to undergo an evaluation to obtain a diagnosis. The procedure may differ however, you can expect to go through a long interview with medical professionals as well as a physical examination and a series of questions or rating systems. Adults will be evaluated on how their symptoms affect various areas of their lives, including family and work. They will also consider the medical conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disorders, mood disorder or seizures. You might be asked to give an extensive account of your symptoms. Since ADHD develops during the childhood years, the evaluator will be looking to determine whether you experienced just a few months of afflictions prior to the age of 12. This might require confirmation from your teachers or parents. The right assessment is essential because, without treatment, unmanaged ADHD can lead to serious issues. It can affect your job, relationships, and self-esteem. In addition, it can create financial problems and difficulties managing bills 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 level of training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If they're hesitant or refuse to disclose this information, it's a red flag. You can also locate an ADHD professional by asking others with ADHD for recommendations or by searching online for professionals. 3. Request a Consultation If you are considering which method to pursue for an adhd diagnosis, it is crucial that you find the right mental health specialist for you. You should seek out a professional who has expertise in ADHD in adults and will spend the time to thoroughly evaluate you for the disorder. If you are not familiar with specialists in ADHD you can inquire with your insurance plan to determine whether there are any specialists within your network with expertise in ADHD assessment and treatment. When you've found an expert, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation. This will allow the psychiatrist or psychologist to meet with you to determine whether ADHD is the best diagnosis for your symptoms. They will also do complete tests, including vision and hearing tests to ensure that another health problem isn't causing your difficulties. To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. They must affect your ability to function in at minimum two settings. This includes school, home as well as work situations. You might be asked to complete a behavior rating scale to help identify your specific symptoms. The evaluator might also inquire about your family's history of ADHD and may utilize a checklist to score your symptoms in relation to the DSM-5 criteria. They may also ask you questions about your life in the family, school and work to determine whether there is a pattern to your behavior which could indicate ADHD. In addition, your professional may choose to do blood work and brain scans as part of the process of evaluation. They will also look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. 4. Complete a Psychiatric Assessment Getting an ADHD diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment and controlling symptoms that could be wreaking chaos in your life. If you are having trouble working with focus, losing your keys, or are having difficulties maintaining relationships, a clear diagnosis will help you to overcome these issues. Your doctor will ask you to be questioned and inquire about your history of ADHD symptoms. They'll want to know your family history, how and when you first noticed the symptoms, as well as how they have affected your work and social life. It's crucial to be truthful and not hide any information. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is conducting your psychiatric evaluation will examine your medical history. They will also employ an extensive checklist to determine if your symptoms fit the criteria for ADHD. These criteria are outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition. In addition to looking at your ADHD symptoms, your evaluator will likely want to do some other tests. This could include cognitive testing to rule out learning or intellectual issues that could be causing your problems. They'll also need to perform a physical exam to rule out illnesses like seizures and thyroid disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Psychologists who conduct psychological tests have specialized training that prepares them to conduct thorough assessments for a wide range of disorders. They are able to recognize symptoms of a wide range of disorders, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and other mental health issues. 5. Perform a medical evaluation A psychiatrist or a mental health professional will speak with you about your issues. The interview can last for up to up to an hour depending on the specialist. During this time, you'll be asked to describe your symptoms in detail and answer questions regarding your symptoms. You might also be requested to have your caregivers or teachers fill out similar forms. These questionnaires ask a series of questions that are standardized to improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood that different interviewers would have different results. They will ask about your symptoms in both the present and from your childhood. They will also review the diagnostic criteria to determine how many ADHD characteristics you meet. Some evaluators will be inclined to run other tests in addition. Some evaluators will also run cognitive tests in order to check for learning or intellectual disabilities which could be the cause of ADHD symptoms. They also look for other illnesses that could be contributing to your symptoms, like depression or anxiety. They can also conduct medical tests to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders. Answering these questions honestly and completely is essential. It may be embarrassing to discuss your problems but it will help the person evaluating you learn as much as possible. This information will be used to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are due to another condition or if it's ADHD. It is not uncommon for a psychiatrist to inquire about other people's experiences with your symptoms. They may want to speak with your partner or spouse, especially in the case of an adult. They might also want to talk to your children's teachers, parents or daycare providers.