How to Get Tested For ADHD
Being tested for ADHD can seem overwhelming. But there are steps to make the process easier.
Find a specialist. Ask your family members or your doctor for recommendations. Find out what the charges are for potential specialists and check their credentials.
1. Talk with your doctor
Your primary care doctor can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. It's also recommended to ask for recommendations from therapists and other people you trust.
Getting an evaluation is important for both adults and children. Signs of ADHD can create problems at school, work, and home. Many people have found that medication can help with ADHD however, therapy can also be helpful. It isn't possible to get treatment if you don't know what you're dealing with.
The evaluator asks you questions about your symptoms along with medical history and family history. They will probably also use an assessment scale that lists behaviors typical of those who suffer from ADHD. They might request a relative or friend to fill out the form prior to your appointment, or require you fill it out during the examination. They will likely look for any other issues that could be causing your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Be honest when you speak to your evaluation expert. It can be difficult to admit that you or your child struggle with controlling their emotions or paying attention, especially if these traits are viewed as "bad." However, you will feel much better after receiving an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person conducting the evaluation is likely to want to look over the medical history of you or your loved ones and previous physical examinations as well as blood tests and eye tests. They might also review reports from the early years of your the child's education and inquire about their experiences with teachers.
If you or your children meet the criteria for ADHD, the evaluator may recommend other tests to rule-out medical issues. They may also recommend a psychiatric history to rule out other disorders like mood or anxiety issues, which may appear similar to ADHD.
The evaluator will provide you with test results and suggest ways to assist. They usually provide you with an official copy of the report. You can request the report if they do not. The evaluator must follow the guidelines laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in their huge book called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Get a recommendation
It's best to get the recommendation of a physician or specialist who specializes in ADHD assessment. You can ask your physician for a referral or search online through your health insurance provider to find an expert. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess ADHD however some have special training working with adults and children with ADHD.
You can also try asking friends, family members or co-workers who have ADHD about their experiences with specialists. They may recommend an therapist or psychiatrist they are comfortable with, or they may recommend an online therapy service such as BetterHelp. Its experts can pair you with a licensed and skilled therapist in as little as 48 hours.
It will be important to select an expert that's approach matches your personal preferences and level of comfort. Find their credentials online and then check if your health insurance will cover their services.
The first step to determine if you or your child has ADHD is to conduct an initial interview with the healthcare expert who will be conducting the test. 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 an assessment scale that is a list of behaviors that are common for those with ADHD. The healthcare professional could also ask you to speak to those who are familiar with you, like your spouse, family members or close friends as well as teachers and coaches to get more information about the issues you're experiencing.
If your healthcare professional suspects that you are suffering from ADHD and is concerned about it, they will inquire about your childhood symptoms. It is currently believed that ADHD is a condition that develops only in adulthood. Therefore, the specialist will inquire about any signs you may have had as a kid.
The expert will then utilize their own experiences and research to conduct an extensive ADHD assessment. They will likely use the process of a clinical interview to get your your child's medical and family history, and do neuropsychological testing. These tests can help to distinguish between ADHD and other disorders that have similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
3. Take the test
There isn't a single test that can be used to determine if your child or you have ADHD. Doctors employ a mix of physical exams, questionnaires and behavioral tests. They may also ask you or your child to describe how symptoms interfere with everyday activities. Your doctor may use a different method of screening children than for adults due the difference in their ages and development stages.
During Click That Link will want to know if you or your child has any other mental health issues. They might also ask about the family history of ADHD and whether anyone 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 may ask if your child or you frequently forget appointments, struggle to remember specifics or lose the track of time.
In addition, doctors could inquire about your or your child's past traumatic experiences and whether you are concerned about drug or alcohol use. They may also inquire about your child about their social and emotional abilities. They may inquire about your or your child's relationships 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 must create significant disruption to daily functioning.
You may want to opt to take an online ADHD screening to determine whether you are suffering from the symptoms that can be indicative of this condition. These screenings can be helpful but they aren't a substitute for an expert diagnosis. They may be misleading and give false information about your symptoms or those of your child.
4. Get a diagnosis
In order to receive a diagnosis, your health care provider will want to know about all your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also need to know about your family history of ADHD and whether or not you have a family history with anxiety or depression. They'll likely refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist to assist in making an assessment.
The first step is to find a specialist trained in diagnosing ADHD. Your primary care doctor should provide some suggestions, or you can ask a family member or friend for recommendations. Many of the mental health professionals who test children for ADHD also treat adults. If you are able to locate an expert, he or will conduct a thorough clinical interview, and may employ questionnaires, rating scales or brain scans. The specialist will likely inquire with you about your child's academic performance and will also meet with teachers as well. They will ask for old reports so that they can review behavior patterns and trends.
The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months in various environments, including work, school 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.
Getting an ADHD evaluation can be a great 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 essential that you or your child is honest with the professional who conducts the assessment. They can then suggest strategies that will improve the situation.
ADHD is most commonly treated with medication. There are a variety of medications available and your doctor will help you decide which is the best option for your child. Another option is to talk with an experienced therapy. Some online therapists, like BetterHelp provide online assessments for free. They can connect you with someone who is experienced in your field within just 48 hours.