How to Get Tested For ADHD
Being tested for ADHD isn't easy. But you can take steps to make the process easier.
The first step is to locate an expert. Ask your doctor for suggestions, or ask your family members and friends if they know of someone who is specialized in ADHD. Find out what the fees are for potential specialists and check their credentials.
1. Talk to your doctor
Your primary care physician can help you understand your symptoms and send you to mental health professionals. It's also recommended to ask for recommendations from therapists and friends you are comfortable with.
It is crucial to obtain an evaluation for children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD can cause issues at work, school or at home. Many people find that medication can help with ADHD. However therapy can be extremely beneficial. If you don't have a diagnosis you won't be able to access the treatment that could make life easier for you.
The evaluator asks you questions about your symptoms as well as medical history and family history. They may also use a rating system that identifies the common behaviors of people with ADHD. You might be required to fill out the form with a relative or friend before your appointment or you can do it yourself during the assessment. They'll likely look for other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
Be honest when talking to your evaluation expert. It can be hard to admit that you or your child has difficulty paying attention or regulating their emotions, particularly if those traits are seen as "bad." But you'll likely feel better when you receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person performing the evaluation will likely want to review the medical records of previous patients, which may include eye exams, blood tests physical examinations, and blood tests. 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 fulfill the fundamental criteria for ADHD, the evaluator will likely suggest other tests to rule out medical conditions. They may also recommend a psychiatric history to rule out other disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which could be similar to ADHD.
Your evaluator will explain your test results and suggest ways to help. They will provide you with the results in a paper copy. If they don't, request that they send it to you. The evaluator adheres to the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Society's massive book, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Request a referral
It is recommended to seek the recommendation of a physician or specialist who specializes in ADHD assessment. You can ask your PCP for a referral, or search online with your health insurance provider to find an expert. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers are all qualified to conduct ADHD assessments, however some have specialized training to work with adults or children with ADHD.
You can also ask friends family members, coworkers or relatives with ADHD about their experiences working with a specialist. They might recommend the services of a psychiatrist or therapist they are comfortable with, or they may recommend an online therapy service like BetterHelp. Its experts will connect you with a seasoned licensed therapist within just 48 hours.
You should choose an expert who is comfortable with your approach and your personal preferences. Find their credentials on your own and verify if your health insurance will cover their services.
The first step to determining if you or your child has ADHD is to have an initial conversation with the healthcare expert who will be conducting the evaluation. They will ask you about your medical background, family history school and work performance, and symptoms. They may also request that you or your child complete one or more rating scales that list the common behaviors of people with ADHD. The healthcare professional may also ask you to speak to those who are familiar with you, like your spouse, other close family members, close friends as well as teachers and coaches to find out more about the problems you're experiencing.
If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will ask about any symptoms you've experienced since childhood. It is believed that ADHD will only manifest in adulthood. Therefore, the specialist will inquire about any symptoms you might have experienced as a kid.
The expert will then use their own experiences and research to conduct an exhaustive ADHD assessment. They will probably conduct a clinical interview to gather the family and medical history. They may also conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests can help distinguish between ADHD and conditions that have similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
3. Take the test
There isn't a single test that can tell if your child or you are suffering from ADHD. Doctors utilize a combination of physical exam, questionnaires, and behavioral testing. They might also ask your child or you to describe how the symptoms interfere with everyday activities. Your doctor may employ a different method of screening children than for adults due the difference in their ages and developmental stages.
During the screening, your doctor will be looking to determine whether you or your child has any other mental health issues. They might also ask about your family history of ADHD and whether anyone close to you has it. They will ask you about the impact of your child's or your own behavior at home, at school, or at work. They may ask if you or your child is often losing the track of time, has difficulty recalling specific details or forgets appointments.
Doctors can also inquire about past traumas that you or your child have endured, and if there are concerns regarding alcohol or drug abuse. They will also ask about your child's emotional and social skills. They may ask about your child or yourself and your relationships with others and also whether your child is in a state of impulsivity.
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 should affect everyday functioning.
You may want to try an online ADHD screening to determine whether you exhibit the signs that may be indicative of this condition. These screenings are helpful, but can't replace an expert diagnosis. They may be misleading and can give an inaccurate picture of your symptoms or those of your child.
4. Get a diagnosis
Your doctor wants to be aware of all your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They'll also need to know about your family history of ADHD and if you have a history of personal experience of depression or anxiety. They may recommend you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional to assist with an evaluation.
The first step is to find an expert who is trained to diagnose ADHD. Your primary care physician should provide some suggestions, or ask a friend or relative for recommendations. Many of the same mental health professionals who test children for ADHD deal with adults too. Once you've found an expert, they will conduct a thorough clinical interview, and may employ questionnaires, rating scales, or brain scans. The expert will inquire about the school performance of your child. They might also ask questions of their teachers. They will request old report cards that can be reviewed to look at the patterns of behavior and trends.
The symptoms have to be present for at least six months in different settings, including school, work and 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 great relief, especially for parents who feel their child is not succeeding at school or at home because of their inattention and impulsivity. It is essential that you or your child are honest with the professional who conducts the assessment. They can then suggest strategies to improve the situation.
ADHD is typically treated by medication. There are a variety of medications available and your doctor can assist you in deciding which one is best for your child. Another option is to talk with an experienced therapy. Our Home Page , like BetterHelp provide free online assessments and can match you with a seasoned therapist within 48 hours.