Getting Tested For ADHD
The first step in getting tested for ADHD is finding a qualified professional who can evaluate your child or adult. Ask your family doctor or therapist for suggestions.
The examiner will be looking for information about your life history. You'll be asked about your school performance and your medical background. They'll also need to know when you started experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms
Tests for ADHD are the first step to control symptoms that can affect your daily life. The condition causes a myriad of issues such as forgetting appointments or not finishing work. Relationships, finances and family are also affected by the symptoms. Whether you are struggling to keep up at work, are in financial difficulties due to impulsive spending, or having difficulty managing your emotions or your relationship with your children, an ADHD diagnosis can help you find relief from these issues.
Your child or you will be interviewed by a health professional. They will inquire about your or your child's growth, history of illnesses, and family life. They will also inquire if you or your child have any other issues like anxiety or depressive disorders. They might also want to talk with other people involved in your or your child's life, such as teachers, coaches, or daycare providers.
Your child's or your behaviour will be assessed by the health care professional by using questionnaires or rating scales. They might also ask about your or your child's schooling and accomplishments. Some experts may also ask to review your medical records, which could include blood tests or x-rays, in order to rule out medical issues that could be causing symptoms.
If you or your child are to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be sufficient to cause significant impairments in two different settings like at school and at work. The symptomatic behaviors must have been present prior to the age of 12 and have to be consistent over time. The impulsive behavior of you or your child must not be due to other disorders like depression or anxiety.
Adults must be able to meet a higher threshold to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. This means five of nine symptoms within six months. The symptoms must be severe in two distinct settings and recur over time. The criteria for this is similar to those for adults who are screened for bipolar disorder.
A person suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed by a psychiatric or psychologist. However, some people are evaluated by their primary physician or pediatrician. It is possible to search the internet for specialists in ADHD assessment and treatment, and you can also get referrals from other health care providers. Verify the credentials of the specialist and academic qualifications. Also, make sure they will accept your health insurance.
Diagnosis
To help a medical professional diagnose ADHD they will look over the symptoms you or your child are experiencing and then conduct a thorough assessment. This may include a physical exam or an interview with you or your child and an examination of school or work records.
All primary care providers including doctors, pediatricians and mental health professionals are able to diagnose ADHD. If you are not sure about who to see, ask for recommendations from trusted family or friends members. You can also look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD in your area.
During the examination the healthcare professional will take into account aspects like the child's or your child's growth along with personal and family history, as well as their current lifestyle. They may also discuss how the symptoms have affected your or your child's life. They might want to interview teachers or school officials, too especially if you're concerned about your child's academic performance. Old reports can be useful in identifying patterns that could point to ADHD.
A physical exam can identify medical conditions like thyroid issues or seizure disorders which could mimic or coexist ADHD. The evaluator will usually ask for a detailed list of your your child's symptoms and how long they have occurred. They will also usually ask questions that are specific to the age of the person to get an accurate picture of how symptoms affect the daily activities.
The evaluator may use questionnaires or rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms and determine the severity of the symptoms. You or your child may also be administered a neuropsychological test or a testing for learning disabilities. While these tests don't diagnose ADHD, they can reveal the way that your symptoms impact learning and performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing or upsetting but it can also help you feel more confident. A diagnosis can also explain why you struggle with everyday tasks like paying attention, listening with care and following directions, as well as organizing yourself. These are the things that most people can do easily. It could also result in accommodations at school or work, which can make an enormous difference in the way you handle your day-to-day tasks.
Treatment
Talk with your child's primary care provider if you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to assess your child and refer them to specialists if necessary. It is also important to speak with your child's teacher. They often notice symptoms of ADHD in kids and are able to give you valuable feedback about your child's school performance.
Your doctor must be able to discern how the symptoms affect your child or adult at home and in different settings like school or at work. They should be able recognize when the symptoms get in the way of life in multiple settings and ensure that the symptoms aren't due to other mental health disorders or physical illness. Your child or you may be asked about the history of ADHD in your family as well as mood disorders and other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD and anxiety, like depression.
Your evaluator could also ask you to complete psychological tests or a behavior rating scale to determine the presence of ADHD symptoms. You could be required to undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions like seizures or thyroid issues that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that a person can't be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult unless they show symptoms in their childhood. The examiner may request to see your school records from your childhood, and your parents or former teachers could describe your symptoms.
When deciding which expert to use for a review, do your research. Find out what accreditations and degrees they hold. Check to see if the specialist accepts your insurance and that you feel comfortable with them. Get recommendations and feedback from other specialists who have worked with the specialist you're thinking of. Some specialists provide online evaluations. This can be a convenient alternative for adults who aren't able to make an appointment with a primary physician or psychiatrist.
Support
Many people find that seeking a diagnosis for ADHD is overwhelming. You'll likely have meetings with a variety of experts and be asked to take tests or fill out questionnaires. Do your homework on the specialist that you choose. Ask online test for adhd adults and friends and therapists to recommend an expert. You can also look up online for professional degrees and academic qualifications. Find out what the doctor charges and if your insurance policy covers the evaluation. Some professionals have websites that include testimonials from past clients and patients. It is important to choose a professional that makes you feel at ease and answers your questions.
Your mental health professional might want to talk about your childhood and current life. The doctor will likely use rating and interview scales in conjunction with you and your parents. You may be asked to bring old reports, performance evaluations and other records that could help with the screening. Some tests that are specific to you, such as tests that test your intelligence ability or your learning disabilities, could be utilized.
You could be affected by the results of the ADHD screening if you suffer from another condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder. The evaluator must know if any of your family members are suffering from ADHD. Family members who are close to you with ADHD increases the chances that you'll be suffering from the condition.
A successful screening will provide a reliable diagnosis and treatment that can make your life better. A properly diagnosed adult with ADHD can apply for accommodations in the workplace and at school. Accommodations can include a quieter work area, more time to complete tasks and much more.
Talk to your doctor, therapist, or life coach today to discuss whether you may be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in the event of need. You can also locate specialists by getting a recommendation from a family member, a support group, or looking through your insurance provider's directory for professionals who are qualified. BetterHelp is a service that matches ADHD sufferers with licensed therapists. Begin a session as little as 48 hours.