How to Diagnose ADHD The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is more than a simple clinical interview There are a variety of diagnostic tests are used, such as self-assessments and questionnaires, physical examinations as well as medical and psychiatric history as well as family history and neuropsychological tests To be diagnosed with ADHD, an individual must meet the criteria for inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that affects daily functioning For adults, symptoms must have been present since childhood and can't be explained by other disorders 1 Watching If you suspect you or your ***** may be suffering from ADHD It is important to consult a doctor ADHD is a complicated disorder that is difficult to identify because the symptoms may be similar to other disorders like depression or sleep disorders Doctors use a combination physical exam and behavioral tests, as well as questionnaires to determine if a person has ADHD To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must exhibit symptoms in at least two or more environments like work and school, and the symptoms must be a source of significant impairment as cited by at least one other person Symptoms must also have been present since childhood, before age 12, and they should have been present for a period of more than six months Loss of employment, conflict that is excessive in a marriage, failure to pay bills on time, or a lackluster grade could all be indicators of impairment During an in-depth clinical interview an expert in health care who is evaluating ADHD will inquire with your ***** or you about past and present problems and symptoms The specialist may also ask to speak with people who know you or your ***** well, such as parents, teachers, coaches or coworkers They will inquire about you and your *****'s behavior, how often they have forgotten things, arrive late for appointments or are unable to complete their tasks They will also observe if you or your ***** is fidgety or has difficulty sitting down, or interrupts other people It's also important to determine what the professional's training is and the level of their expertise working with adults suffering from ADHD If the professional refuses to provide the information you need, it could be a sign that they're not the right fit for you or your family 2 Questionnaires Finding out if you have ADHD is a crucial first step to managing the condition The symptoms of the disorder could include forgetfulness, inattention and mood changes and some sufferers struggle with their relationships If a person is diagnosed with the disorder, they can take steps to improve their quality of life and take medication to help with their concentration and avoiding distractions A trained evaluator employs questionnaires and standardized behavior rating scales to gather information on the behaviours of the person Adults can also utilize questionnaires They are typically employed with teenagers and children but they can also be given to adults as well They could be handed out by teachers, parents and school/workplace staff, as well as other significant people in the person's life These ratings can be used to identify particular kinds of symptoms and rule out other problems that may be causing them, for instance mood disorders, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders They are also useful in determining whether a person is a disabled person under ADA American with Disabilities Act, which could enable them to receive certain workplace accommodations During the interview the examiner will ask questions about the individual's development, family and lifestyle history and may also interview other people in their life, such as close friends teachers, coaches and teachers They will look for evidence that the symptoms of the person have an impact on their work or at home, as well as socially They will want you to explain whether your symptoms started in childhood and if they aren't explained by other medical conditions Certain evaluators might conduct broad-spectrum tests to determine if there are any other emotional or psychiatric issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder which could be causing ADHD symptoms They can also conduct cognitive tests to look for learning disabilities or any other problems that could cause similar symptoms 3 Interviews It is impossible to diagnose ADHD from a short office observation or conversation A qualified mental healthcare medical professional or doctor will take an extensive account of your behavior that includes symptoms lists and the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales They will also ask you about your family and social history They may ask your parents, teachers or any other individuals who know you well They might request your medical records, school or work records They will test your cognitive abilities and take note of how you perform in specific tasks They may also conduct other tests to rule out conditions like seizure disorders or thyroid which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD A thorough evaluation by a psychologist or doctor may take several weeks It is important to give honest answers and not cover up any symptoms or pretend that they aren't there Some experts will ask you to speak with your spouse or others who are familiar with your symptoms and whether they were present during your childhood They will also ensure whether your symptoms are caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a precise diagnosis, since it will aid them in obtaining the support they need in their lives and identify treatment options In addition it's a requirement to receiving workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws that ban discrimination against those with disabilities It can be a challenge to get diagnosed, but it's the first step towards understanding how to manage your ADHD symptoms and eventually getting control of your life An ADHD diagnosis can boost your confidence in all areas of your life 4 Physical Examination It can be a bit daunting to undergo a physical examination however, it's essential to establish the diagnosis A medical professional will look at your mouth, ears, and nose to look for red marks or other signs of infection The evaluator may also examine your eyes to determine if there are any issues with your vision They will also use other tools to look at your neck, head and back You may be asked to remain in a seated position or move as they examine you The evaluator will review the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition" DSM-5 to determine if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms The evaluator will examine the way your symptoms affect your life to determine if you need treatment This could mean losing your job due to impulsive spending, trouble paying your bills on time or being placed on academic suspension in college due to failing grades The examiner may also speak to people who are familiar to you This could include your spouse, children or other family members In some instances, the evaluator might want to speak with teachers as well as other professionals to gather more details about your symptoms Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a stressful experience for many adults Many people feel happy that they finally have an answer for their symptoms, or in a state of shock at the thought of Regardless of the emotions that surface, it is important for people to seek the diagnosis if they believe they have ADHD This can help them seek the help they need and improve their quality of life 5 Medical Histories To eliminate physical causes of ADHD It is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of your medical background They can also ask questions of your family members, spouses or close friends, and anyone else who has more information about the symptoms that your ***** or yourself, as well as their impact on your life https//wwwadhddiagnosistop/ may also be asked to complete questionnaires that give your health care professional more detailed information about your *****'s progress and educational history Many people find relief in receiving a diagnosis for ADHD, knowing that their ***** or themselves are not lazy or incompetent however, they suffer from a mental disorder that requires special care and intervention It can also cause anxiety for those who receive the diagnosis, as they are ashamed and embarrassed that their ADHD symptoms aren't "normal" When selecting a specialist to conduct an assessment for ADHD, ask your primary care provider or another trusted source for suggestions It is also helpful to conduct your research and find out the professional degrees your prospective specialist holds and the level of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD You can also inquire with your insurance company to find out who they list as competent providers and if there's an ADHD support group in your area