How to Get Tested For ADHD
It can be a bit overwhelming to undergo a test for ADHD. You can make the process simpler by following a few steps.
Find an expert. Ask your physician or family members for suggestions. Find out what the costs are for potential specialists and check their credentials.
1. Talk with your doctor
Your primary health care provider can help understand the symptoms you are experiencing and refer you to mental health professionals. It's also recommended to ask for recommendations from therapists and friends you trust.
Getting an evaluation is important for both children and adults. ADHD symptoms can cause issues at work as well as at home and at school. Many people have found that medication helps to manage ADHD however, therapy can also be helpful. It isn't possible to get treatment without knowing the symptoms you're suffering from.
The examiner asks you questions regarding your symptoms as well as medical history and family history. They may also employ a rating system that lists the behaviors that are common to people with ADHD. You may be asked to complete the form with a family member or friend prior to your appointment or you can do it yourself during the evaluation. They'll likely search for any other issues that could be causing your symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
When you talk to your evaluator about your concerns, be honest with your evaluation partner. It may be difficult to admit you or your child struggle with controlling their emotions or paying attention, particularly if these traits are viewed as "bad." However learn this here now will feel better once you receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person doing the evalutation will likely want to review the medical history of your or theirs, including previous physical exams blood tests, as well as eye exams. They may also examine reports from their early years of school, and ask about your or their experiences with teachers.
If you or your child have the basic characteristics of ADHD, the evaluator may suggest other tests to rule out medical issues. They may also suggest an evaluation of psychiatric disorders to rule out any other disorder such as anxiety or mood issues that may appear similar to ADHD.
The person who evaluated your test will discuss the results and offers suggestions on how to help. They will usually give you an official copy of the report. You can request an exact copy if they don't. The evaluator is guided by the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association's big book, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Request a referral
It's best if you get a referral from someone who is an expert in ADHD assessment. You can ask your doctor for a referral or look on the internet through your health insurance provider to find an specialist. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate ADHD, but some also have special training for working with adults and children with ADHD.
You can also ask your friends family members, coworkers or relatives with ADHD about their experiences working with specialists. They might suggest an online therapy program like BetterHelp or a therapy provider they trust. Its experts can match you with a licensed and skilled therapist in as little as 48 hours.
It will be important to select an expert who's approach is compatible with your personal preferences and level of comfort. Check their credentials and see if you can get their services covered by your health insurance.
The first step to determining whether your child or you has ADHD is an initial interview with the healthcare expert who will be conducting the test. They will ask about your family and medical background, your work and school performance, as well as symptoms. They might also ask that you or your child complete one or more rating scales that list the behaviors that are common to people with ADHD. The healthcare professional may also ask you to speak to those who are familiar with you, like your spouse, close family members, close friends or coaches, to get more information about the problems you're experiencing.
If your healthcare provider suspects that you may have ADHD, they will ask about your symptoms since childhood. It is currently believed that ADHD can only develop in adulthood. Therefore, the specialist will inquire about any signs you might have experienced as a kid.
The expert will then utilize their own experiences and research to conduct an extensive ADHD assessment. They'll likely conduct a clinical interview to gather the medical and family history, and conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests can help distinguish between ADHD and conditions that have similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
3. Take the test
There isn't a single test that can determine whether your child or you are suffering from ADHD. Doctors employ a mix of physical examination, questionnaires and tests for behavior. They might also ask you or your child to describe how the symptoms hinder everyday activities. Your doctor may recommend an alternative screening for children than for adults due to the differences in their ages and developmental stages.
During the screening your doctor will inquire if you or any of your children have other mental health issues. They may also inquire about the family history of ADHD and whether anyone else close to you has it. They'll inquire about how your or your child's behavior affects you at home, at the classroom or at work. They might ask if you or your child frequently loses the track of time, has trouble remembering details, or is unable to remember appointments.
Doctors can also inquire about past traumas that you or your child have experienced, and if there are concerns regarding alcohol or drug abuse. They will also ask about your child's emotional and social skills. They might inquire about your your child's relationships with other children and if they are often quickly or impulsive in their actions 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 should cause significant interference with everyday functioning.
You might opt to take an online ADHD screening to see whether you are suffering from the symptoms that could be indicative of this condition. These tests can be beneficial but they cannot replace an expert diagnosis. They may be misleading and can give a false impression of your symptoms or those of your child.
4. Get a diagnosis
Your health care provider wants to be aware of all of your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also want to determine if there is a family history of ADHD or if you have ever suffered from depression or anxiety. They will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist for help in evaluating.
The first step is to locate an expert in diagnosing ADHD. You can ask your primary care physician for recommendations or ask a family or friend member. Many of the same mental health professionals that evaluate children for ADHD work with adults too. Once you find an expert, he or she will conduct a thorough interview and may utilize questionnaires, rating scales or brain scans. The expert will likely ask you about your child's academic performance and will want to speak with teachers, as well. They will request old report cards so that they can examine patterns of behavior and trends.
The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months in a variety of environments, including school, work and at 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 be a relief to parents, particularly in the event that they feel their child is struggling in school or at the home due to their inattention and impulsivity. The most important thing is for you or your child to be honest with the professional who is conducting the assessment. They will then be able to suggest strategies to improve the situation.
Medication is the most popular treatment for ADHD. There are a variety of medications available and your doctor will assist you in deciding which one is best for your child. Talking with a therapist is another option. Some online therapists, like BetterHelp provide online assessments for free. They can match you with an experienced therapist in your field within just 48 hours.