How to Get Tested For ADHD
Being tested for ADHD isn't easy. But there are steps to make the process more easy.
Find an expert. Ask your doctor for recommendations, or ask friends and family members if they know of someone who specializes in ADHD. Examine the qualifications of potential specialists, and learn more about the price they charge.
1. Talk with your doctor
Your primary doctor can help you identify the symptoms you are experiencing and refer you to mental health professionals. It's also a good idea to ask for suggestions from therapists or friends who you are comfortable with.
A thorough evaluation is essential for both children and adults. ADHD symptoms can cause issues in the workplace or at home, as well as at school. Many people have found that medication can help with ADHD, but therapy can be helpful. If you don't have a diagnosis, you're not eligible for the treatment that could simplify your life.
The evaluator will interview you about your symptoms along with your family and medical history. They might also use a rating scale that lists the typical behaviors of people suffering from ADHD. You may be required to complete the form with a family member or friend before your appointment, or complete it yourself during the evaluation. adhd test for women for other conditions causing your symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Be honest when you speak to your evaluator. It can be difficult to admit you or your child have trouble controlling their emotions or paying attention, especially if these traits are viewed as "bad." However you will feel better once you receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person conducting the evaluation will likely want to review the medical history of your or theirs and previous physical examinations, blood tests, and eye exams. They may also examine report cards from your or their schooling years in the beginning, and ask about your or their experiences with teachers.
If you or your children meet the criteria for ADHD The evaluator might suggest other tests to rule out medical issues. They may also suggest a psychiatric history to rule out other disorders like mood or anxiety issues, which can sometimes look like ADHD.
The evaluator will provide you with test results and suggest ways to help. They'll usually send you an official copy of the report. If they don't, you can ask them to provide it to you. The evaluator must follow the guidelines set out by the American Psychiatric Association in their big book, called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Invite a friend to join.
It's best to get an appointment with a doctor or a professional who is specialized in ADHD assessment. You can ask your primary health care provider (PCP) for a recommendation or find an expert through your health insurance provider's online directory. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers are all trained to conduct ADHD assessments, but some have specialized training to work with adults or children with ADHD.
You can also inquire with friends, family members or colleagues who suffer from ADHD about their experiences with an expert. They might recommend the services of a psychiatrist or therapist they are comfortable with, or they may suggest an online therapy service such as BetterHelp. Its experts can match you with a certified, experienced therapist in as little as 48 hours.
You should choose an expert who is comfortable with your style and your personal preferences. Examine their credentials and determine whether they are able to get their services covered by your health insurance.
The first step in determining whether you or your child suffer from ADHD is an interview with the healthcare professional who is conducting the assessment. They will ask you about your medical history, family history, school and work performance, as well as symptoms. They may also request that you or your child fill out one or more rating scales that identify behaviors that are common in people with ADHD. The healthcare professional will also be looking to speak with people who know you personallylike your spouse, or other family members who are close to you, teachers and coaches -to get a better understanding of the difficulties you've been having.
If your healthcare provider suspects that you have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will inquire about any symptoms you've experienced since the age of. Currently, it is believed that ADHD cannot develop until adulthood, so the specialist must be aware of any signs you experienced as an infant.
The specialist will then apply their own experience and research to conduct an extensive ADHD assessment. They'll likely conduct the process of a clinical interview to get the medical and family history, and will perform neuropsychological testing. These tests can help differentiate between ADHD and conditions that have similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
3. Take the test
There isn't a single test to determine whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Doctors typically use a combination of physical exams, behavioral testing, and questionnaires. They may also ask your child or you to describe how symptoms hinder daily activities. Your doctor might use an alternative screening method for children than for adults due to the difference in their age and developmental stages.
During the exam, your doctor will ask if you or any of your children have had other mental health issues. They might also ask about your family history of ADHD and if anyone close to you suffers from it. They may inquire about the consequences of your child's or your own behaviour at home, at school, or at work. They might ask if you child or you are prone to forgetting appointments, struggle to remember specifics, or lose the track of time.
Doctors can also inquire about past traumas that you or your child endured, and if there are concerns about alcohol or drug abuse. They may also inquire about your child's emotional and social abilities. They might inquire about your or your child's relationship with other children and if they are 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 everyday functioning.
You might try an online ADHD screening to determine if you have the symptoms that could be indicative of this condition. These screenings are helpful but don't substitute for professional diagnosis. They may be misleading and provide false information about your symptoms or those of your child.
4. Get a diagnosis
Your health care provider will want to be aware of all your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also need to know about your family history of ADHD and whether or not you have a family history of depression or anxiety. They will likely recommend you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist for an evaluation.
The first step is to locate an expert in diagnosing ADHD. You can ask your primary care physician for suggestions or a friend or family member. Many of the mental health professionals who assess children for ADHD also deal with adults. Once you've found a specialist, they will conduct a lengthy clinical interview. They may also use questionnaires, rating scales or brain scans. The expert will likely ask you about your child's academic performance and will want to meet with teachers as well. They will request old report cards to review behavior patterns and trends.
The symptoms should be present for at least 6 months in a variety of environments, including school, work and home, in order to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. 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 provide relief to parents, particularly in the event that they feel their child is struggling at school or at the home due to their lack of attention and the impulsivity. It is essential that you or your child is honest with the professional conducting the evaluation. They can then suggest strategies to improve the situation.
ADHD is most commonly treated with medication. There are many types of medications available and your healthcare professional will determine what is right for your child or yourself. Talking to a therapist can be another option. Some online therapists, such BetterHelp offers free online assessments and can match you with a seasoned professional within 48 hours.