How to Get Tested For ADHD
It can be overwhelming to be tested for ADHD. You can make the process easier by taking certain steps.
The first step is to find an expert. Ask your physician or family members for recommendations. Check out the professional credentials of potential specialists, and learn about the fees they charge.
1. Talk to your doctor
Your primary doctor can help you identify the symptoms you are experiencing and send you to mental health professionals. Asking for recommendations from friends and therapists you trust is also a great idea.
Getting an evaluation is important for both adults and children. ADHD symptoms can cause issues in the workplace or at home, as well as at school. Many people find that medication helps to manage ADHD however, therapy can be helpful. If you don't have a diagnosis you can't get the treatment that can make life easier for you.
The evaluator will interview you about your symptoms as well as your family history and medical history. They may also employ a rating system that identifies the common behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD. They may ask a family member or friend to complete it with you prior to your appointment, or require you fill it out during the evaluation. They'll probably examine for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms -things like anxiety and depression.
Be honest when speaking to your assessor. It can be difficult to admit that you or your child struggle with controlling their emotions or paying attention, particularly if these traits are viewed as "bad." However you'll feel better once you receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person who is conducting the exam will likely want to review your or their medical history and previous physical examinations blood tests, as well as eye examinations. They may also look at reports from the early years of your or the child's education and inquire about their experiences with their teachers.
If you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD, the evaluator will likely suggest other tests to rule out medical conditions. They might also recommend a psychiatric examination to rule out any other disorders like mood or anxiety issues, which could be similar to ADHD.
The evaluator will explain your test results and makes suggestions on how to help. They'll usually send you a copy of the final report. If they don't, request them to provide the report to you. The evaluator will follow guidelines set out by the American Psychiatric Association in their huge book called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Refer a friend
It is recommended that you receive an referral from someone who is an expert in ADHD assessment. You can ask your physician for a referral or search on the internet through your health insurance provider to find an expert. Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers are all certified to conduct ADHD assessments, however some have special training in working with children or adults with ADHD.
You can also ask your friends, family or co-workers with ADHD about their experiences working with a specialist. They may recommend an online therapy program like BetterHelp or a therapy provider they trust. Its experts can pair you with a licensed, skilled therapist in as little as 48 hours.
You should choose an expert who is comfortable with your style and your personal preferences. Verify their credentials and find out whether they are able to get their services covered by your health insurance.
The first step to determining whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD is to conduct an initial interview with the healthcare expert who will be conducting the evaluation. They will inquire about your medical background, family history, school and work performance, as well as symptoms. Your child or you may be asked to complete a rating scale that includes the most common behaviors for those with ADHD. The healthcare professional may need to talk to those who know you personallyfor example, your spouse or other family members who are close to you or coaches, teachers, and other instructorsto find out more about the difficulties you've been having.
If your doctor suspects that you may have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will inquire about your experiences since childhood. In the present, it is believed that ADHD is not a condition that develops at the beginning of adulthood, therefore the doctor must be aware of any symptoms you had as a child.
The specialist will draw on their experience and research to conduct an extensive ADHD assessment. They will likely use the process of a clinical interview to get your or your child's medical and family history, and will do neuropsychological testing. These tests can help differentiate between ADHD and other disorders that display similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
3. Take the test
There is no one test that can determine whether your child or you have ADHD. Doctors use a combination physical exam, questionnaires, and behavioral testing. Your child or you may be asked to describe the symptoms that affect your daily activities. Your doctor may recommend a different screening for children than adults because of the differences in their ages and developmental stages.
During the screening your doctor will be looking to determine whether you or your child has had any other mental health problems. female adhd test free may also inquire about your family history and whether any of your relatives suffer from ADHD. They may ask you about the impact of your child's behavior or your own at school, at home or at work. They may ask if you or your child is often losing the track of time, has difficulty remembering details or forgets about appointments.
Additionally, doctors may inquire about your or your child's past traumatic experiences and whether you have any concerns about alcohol or drug use. They will also ask about your child's emotional and social skills. They might ask about your or your child's relationship with others 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 cause significant interference with everyday functioning.
You may want to take an online ADHD screening to see whether you are suffering from the symptoms that may be indicative of this condition. These screenings are helpful but they aren't a substitute for an expert diagnosis. They can also be misleading and create the wrong impression of the symptoms of your child or you.
4. Get a diagnosis
In order to receive a diagnosis, your health care provider will want to know about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They'll also want to know about your family history of ADHD and if you have a family history of depression or anxiety. They will likely recommend you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist for an evaluation.
The first step is to find an expert who is skilled in ADHD diagnosis. Your primary physician may offer suggestions, or consult a relative or a friend for recommendations. Many of the mental healthcare professionals who evaluate children for ADHD also work with adults. Once you've found a specialist, they'll do an extensive 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 want to speak with teachers, as well. They will request old report cards to help them review behavior patterns and trends.
The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months in various environments, including school, work 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.
An ADHD evaluation can be a relief to parents, especially if they feel that their child is struggling at school or at home because of their inattention and the impulsivity. It is important that you or your child are honest with the person who conducts the evaluation. They can then suggest strategies to improve the situation.
The most commonly used medication is treatment for ADHD. There are a variety of medication available and your doctor can assist you in deciding which one is the best option for your child. Another alternative is to speak with a therapist. Some online therapists such as BetterHelp provide free online assessments. They can match you with someone who is experienced in your field within just 48 hours.