How to Get Tested For ADHD
The process of testing for ADHD isn't easy. It is possible to make the process simpler by following certain steps.
The first step is to find an expert. Ask your doctor for suggestions, or ask your friends and family members for recommendations of a person who is specialized in ADHD. Review the qualifications of potential specialists, and find out how much they charge.
1. Talk with your doctor
Your primary care physician can help you understand the causes of your symptoms, and refer you to a mental health professional. Requesting recommendations from your friends and therapists you trust is a great idea.
It is crucial to obtain an assessment for children and adults. Signs of ADHD can cause issues at work, school and at home. Many people have found that medication helps with ADHD but therapy can also be very helpful. If you don't have a diagnosis you can't get the treatment that could make life easier for you.
The examiner asks you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They may also employ a rating scale that outlines behaviors typical of those who suffer from ADHD. You may be asked to complete the form with a family member or a friend prior to your appointment or you can do it yourself during the examination. They will probably look for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms -things like anxiety and depression.
Be honest when speaking to your assessor. It may be difficult to admit you or your child are having trouble controlling their emotions or paying attention, particularly when these characteristics are viewed as "bad." However, you will feel much better once you receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person conducting the evaluation will probably want to review the medical history of your or theirs which includes previous physical examinations, blood tests, and eye examinations. They could also review reports from their early years of school, and ask about your or their experiences with teachers.
If you or your child fulfill the basic criteria for having ADHD, the evaluator is likely to recommend additional tests to rule out medical conditions. They may also recommend an examination of your psychiatric history to rule out other disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, which can sometimes look like ADHD.
Your evaluator will explain your test results and suggest ways to assist. They will provide you with the results in a paper copy. You can request an exact copy if they don't. The evaluator follows the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association's big book, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Request a referral
It is recommended to seek the recommendation of a physician or professional who specializes in ADHD assessment. You can ask your physician for a referral or search online through your health insurance provider to locate an expert. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers are all trained to conduct ADHD assessments, but some have special training in working with children or adults with ADHD.
You can also try asking friends, family members or colleagues who have ADHD about their experiences with a specialist. They might recommend the services of a psychiatrist or therapist they trust, or suggest an online therapy service like BetterHelp. The experts at BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed and experienced therapist in as little as 48 hours.
It will be important to choose an expert who's approach is compatible with your personal preferences and level of comfort. Find their credentials online and verify whether your health insurance will cover their services.
The first step to determining whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD is to have an initial conversation with the healthcare professional who will be conducting the assessment. They will inquire about your medical background, family history school and work performance, as well as symptoms. Your child or you may be asked to fill out an assessment scale that is a list of behaviors that are common for those with ADHD. The healthcare professional may also ask you to speak to people who are familiar with you, including your spouse, close family members, close friends or coaches, to learn more about the issues you're experiencing.
If your healthcare provider suspects you have ADHD, they will ask about your symptoms since childhood. Currently, it is believed that ADHD cannot develop at the beginning of adulthood, so your doctor must be aware of any symptoms you experienced as a child.
The expert will then use their own knowledge and experience to carry out an extensive ADHD assessment. They'll likely conduct a clinical interview in order to collect the family and medical history. They may also conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests can help differentiate between ADHD and other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
3. Take ADHD test for adults
There isn't a single test that can tell whether your child or you have ADHD. Doctors typically employ a combination of physical exams, behavioral testing, and questionnaires. Your child or you may be asked to describe symptoms that hinder your daily activities. Your doctor may employ an alternative screening method for children than adults due to the differences in their ages and developmental stages.
In the course of your screening your doctor will be looking to determine whether you or your child has had any other mental health issues. They may also inquire about your family history, and if anyone in your family has ADHD. They may inquire about the effects of your child's or your own behavior at home, at school, or at work. They might ask if you or your child often loses the track of time, has trouble remembering details, or is unable to remember appointments.
Doctors might also inquire about past traumas that you or your child have suffered and if there are concerns regarding alcohol or drug abuse. They may also inquire about your child's social and emotional skills. They might ask about your your child's relationships with other children and if they are often fast or impulsive. They may also ask if they are quick to act without thinking.
A person might be diagnosed with ADHD if they display at least six of the nine symptoms for the hyperactive/impulsive type or four of the nine symptoms for the inattentive type over the last six months. These symptoms have to affect the daily activities.
You might take an online ADHD screening to see whether you exhibit the signs that may be indicative of this condition. These tests are helpful but don't substitute for professional diagnosis. They may also be deceiving and give the wrong impression about the symptoms of your child or you.
4. Get a diagnosis
Your doctor wants to be aware of all of your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also need to know about your family history of ADHD and whether or not you have a personal history with depression or anxiety. They will likely recommend you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist to assist in making an assessment.
The first step is to locate an expert in diagnosing ADHD. Your primary care doctor should offer suggestions, or consult a relative or a friend for a recommendation. Many of the same mental healthcare professionals who evaluate children for ADHD also work with adults. Once you've identified a specialist, they'll do an extensive clinical interview. They may also use questionnaires, rating scales, or brain scans. The specialist will likely ask you about your child's school performance and may want to meet with teachers as well. They will request old reports that could be viewed to examine the patterns of behavior and trends.
The symptoms have to be present for at minimum 6 months in different environments, including school, work and home, in order to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. In order to get a combined type of ADHD, a person must have at least six symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.
An ADHD evaluation can bring relief for parents, particularly if they feel that their child is struggling in school or at home because of their inattention and the impulsivity. The most important thing is for you or your child to be honest with the person conducting the assessment. They can then suggest strategies to improve the situation.
Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD. There are a variety of medications available and your health care professional will discuss the best one for you or your child. Another alternative is to speak with an professional. Some online therapists, such BetterHelp offers free online assessments and are able to match you with an experienced professional within 48 hours.