How to Get Tested For ADHD
Being tested for ADHD can seem overwhelming. It is possible to make the process easier by following a few steps.
The first step is to find an expert. Ask your doctor for suggestions, or ask your family members and friends for recommendations of a person who is specialized in ADHD. Find out what the costs are for potential specialists and check their credentials.
1. Talk with your doctor
Your primary doctor can help you to understand your symptoms and recommend you to mental health professionals. Asking for recommendations from friends and therapists you trust is a great idea.
It is essential to have an evaluation for children and adults. The symptoms of ADHD can cause issues at work, school, and home. Many people find that medication can help with ADHD however, therapy can also be very helpful. If you don't have a diagnosis you can't get the treatment that will simplify your life.
The evaluator will interview you about your symptoms, family history, and medical history. They will also likely use a rating system that identifies behaviors common to those with ADHD. They may ask a family member or friend to complete it with you before your appointment, or ask you complete it during the assessment. They'll probably be looking for other conditions that might be causing your symptomsthings like depression and anxiety.
Be honest when talking to your evaluator. It can be difficult to admit that you or your child has trouble paying attention or controlling their emotions, especially if those traits are seen as "bad." But you'll likely feel better after you get an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person conducting the exam is likely to want to review previous medical records, including blood tests, eye exams, and physical exams. They may also examine the report cards you received from their schooling years in the beginning and inquire about your or their experiences with teachers.
If you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD the assessor is likely to recommend additional tests to rule out medical problems. They may also suggest an evaluation of psychiatric disorders to rule out any other disorder like anxiety or mood problems that can sometimes appear similar to ADHD.
Your evaluator will discuss your test results and recommend ways to help. They will usually give you the final report. You can ask for an exact copy if they don't. The evaluator will follow guidelines set out by the American Psychiatric Association in their big book, called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Recommend a friend
It's best to get an appointment with a doctor or specialist who specializes in ADHD assessment. You can ask your physician for a referral, or search online through your health insurance provider to locate an specialist. Psychologists are licensed to assess ADHD however, some have special training working with adults and children who suffer from ADHD.
You could also ask your family members, friends, or colleagues who have ADHD about their experiences with a specialist. They might recommend the services of a psychiatrist or therapist they trust, or they might recommend an online therapy service such as BetterHelp. Its experts can match you with a licensed and experienced therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Choose a professional who is comfortable with your approach 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 to determine whether you or your child has ADHD is a conversation with the healthcare professional who is conducting the evaluation. They will ask you about your medical background, family history, school and work performance, and symptoms. Your child or you may be asked to complete a rating scale that is a list of behaviors that are common for those with ADHD. The healthcare professional might also ask you to speak to people who are familiar with you, like your spouse, close family members, close friends as well as teachers and coaches to get more info rmation about the issues you're having.
If your healthcare provider suspects that you have ADHD then he or she will inquire about any symptoms you've had since the age of. It is currently believed that ADHD will only manifest in later life. Therefore, the specialist will ask about any symptoms you might have experienced as a child.
The specialist will then apply their own experience and research to carry out an extensive ADHD assessment. They'll likely conduct a medical interview in order to collect your or your child's family and medical history. They'll also conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests can help differentiate between ADHD and other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
3. Take the test
There is no single test to determine whether your child or you has ADHD. Doctors usually use a mix of physical examinations, behavior testing and questionnaires. Your child or you may be asked to describe the symptoms that hinder your daily activities. Your doctor may use an alternative screening method for children than for adults due the difference in their age and developmental stages.
In the course of your screening your doctor will be looking to determine if you or your child has any other mental health problems. They might also ask about the family history of ADHD and whether anyone else close to you suffers from it. They'll inquire about the effects of your child's behavior or your own at school, at home or at work. They might ask if you or your child is often losing the track of time, has difficulty remembering details, or is unable to remember appointments.
Doctors might also inquire about past traumas that you or your child have experienced and if there are any concerns regarding drug or alcohol abuse. They may also inquire about your child about their emotional and social abilities. They might inquire about your or your child's relationship with other children and if they tend to be impulsive or 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 can take an online ADHD test to determine if you're experiencing symptoms that may be indicative of this condition. These tests are useful but they aren't a substitute for a the diagnosis of a professional. They may be misleading and can give an inaccurate picture of your symptoms or those of your child.
4. Get a diagnosis
To get a diagnosis, your health care provider will want to know about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll also want be aware of if you have an ancestral history of ADHD or if you've ever experienced anxiety or depression. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist to assist with an evaluation.
The first step is to find an expert in diagnosing ADHD. You can ask your primary care physician for suggestions or ask a family or friend member. Many of the same mental health professionals who evaluate children for ADHD are also able to evaluate adults too. Once you've identified a specialist, they'll do an extensive clinical interview, and may employ questionnaires, rating scales, or brain scans. The expert will inquire about the performance at school of your child. They might also ask questions of their teachers. They will request old reports to help them review behavior patterns and trends.
The symptoms should be present for at minimum 6 months in different settings, including school, work and at home, 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.
Receiving an ADHD evaluation can be a relief, particularly for parents who believe that their child isn't thriving in school or at home because of their inattention and impulsivity. It is crucial that you or your child are honest with the person who conducts the assessment. They can then suggest strategies that will help improve the situation.
ADHD is typically treated by medication. There are many types of medication available. Your health care professional will discuss the best option for you or your child. Another option is to talk to an experienced therapist. Some online therapists, like BetterHelp provide free online assessments and are able to match you with a seasoned therapy provider within 48 hours.