How to Get Tested For ADHD
It can be difficult to undergo a test for ADHD. But you can take steps to make the process smoother.
Find a specialist. Ask your doctor for suggestions, or ask your friends and family members whether they know someone who is specialized in ADHD. Examine the qualifications of potential specialists, and find out how much they charge.
1. Talk to your doctor
Your primary care physician can help you identify your symptoms and recommend you to mental health professionals. Requesting recommendations from your friends and therapists you trust is also an excellent idea.
It is important to get an evaluation for children and adults. Signs of ADHD can cause problems at school, work or at home. Many people have found that medication helps to manage ADHD but therapy can also be very helpful. If you don't have a diagnosis, you're not eligible for the treatment that will make life easier for you.
The person who evaluates you will talk to you about your symptoms, family history, and medical history. They will also likely use a rating system that identifies behaviors common to those with ADHD. They may request a relative or friend to fill it out with you prior to your appointment, or have you fill it out during the examination. They'll likely look for any other issues that could be causing your symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
When you speak to your evaluator, be honest. It can be difficult 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 probably feel much better after you get an accurate diagnosis from a professional.
The person doing the evalutation is likely to want to look over the medical history of your or theirs, including previous physical exams as well as blood tests and eye tests. They might also review reports from the early stages of the child's education and inquire about their experiences with teachers.
If you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD, the evaluator is likely to recommend additional tests to rule out medical issues. They might also suggest an evaluation of psychiatric disorders to rule out other disorders such as mood or anxiety issues that may appear similar to ADHD.
Your evaluator will discuss your test results and recommend ways to help. They will give you the results in a paper copy. weblink can ask for a copy if they don't. The evaluator is expected to follow the guidelines laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in their huge book called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Invite a friend to join.
It is best to get the recommendation of a physician or specialist who specializes in ADHD assessment. You can ask your physician for a referral or look online with your health insurance provider to locate an specialist. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate ADHD, but some also have special training working with adults and children with ADHD.
You can also ask friends, family or co-workers with ADHD about their experiences working with an expert. They might recommend a therapist or psychiatrist they trust, or they might recommend an online therapy service like BetterHelp. The experts at BetterHelp will match you with an experienced licensed therapist within just 48 hours.
You should choose an expert who is comfortable with your style and personal preferences. Find their credentials on your own, and check to see whether your health insurance plan will cover their services.
The first step to determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD is to have an initial conversation with the healthcare professional who will conduct the evaluation. They will ask you questions about your medical background, family history school and work performance, as well as symptoms. You or your child may be asked to complete an assessment scale that lists behaviors that are common among people with ADHD. The healthcare professional could also request that you speak to those who are familiar with you, such as your spouse, other close family members, close friends or coaches, to learn more about the problems you're experiencing.
If your doctor suspects that you have ADHD then he or she will inquire about any signs you've experienced since childhood. It is believed that ADHD can only develop in later life. Therefore, the doctor will inquire about any signs you might have experienced when you were a kid.
The specialist will draw on their experience and research to conduct an extensive ADHD evaluation. They'll likely conduct a clinical interview to gather your or your child's medical and family history, and will conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests can help distinguish between ADHD and other disorders that display similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
3. Take the test
There is no one test to determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Doctors use a combination physical exam, questionnaires, and tests for behavior. They also may ask you or your child to explain how symptoms interfere with daily activities. Your doctor might use an alternative screening for children than for adults due the different ages of children and their developmental stages.
During the screening your doctor will be looking to determine whether you or your child have had any other mental health issues. They may also inquire about your family history and whether anyone close to have ADHD. They'll ask about how you or your child's behavior affects your at home, in the classroom or at work. They might ask if either you or your child frequently loses the track of time, has difficulty recalling specific details or forgets appointments.
Additionally, doctors may inquire about your child's previous traumas and should you have concerns regarding drug or alcohol use. They will also ask your child about their emotional and social skills. They might inquire about your your child's relationships with other children and if they tend to be 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 must cause significant interference with everyday functioning.
You could opt to take an online ADHD screening to see whether you are suffering from the symptoms that could indicate this condition. These tests can be beneficial but they aren't a substitute for an expert diagnosis. They could also be misleading and give the wrong impression about your or your child's symptoms.
4. Get a diagnosis
Your doctor wants to know about all of your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They'll also want know if you have a family history of ADHD or if you have ever suffered from depression or anxiety. They will probably recommend you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist to assist with an evaluation.
The first step is finding an expert who is trained to diagnose ADHD. Your primary care doctor should provide some suggestions, or ask a friend or relative for a recommendation. Many of the same mental health professionals who test children for ADHD are also able to evaluate adults too. Once you've identified a specialist, they'll conduct a lengthy clinical interview. They may also use questionnaires, rating scales, or brain scans. The specialist will likely ask you about your child's academic performance and will also speak with teachers, as well. They will ask for any old report cards that could be examined to see the patterns of behavior and trends.
To be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. They must occur in a variety of settings like school, work and home. 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 bring relief for parents, particularly if they feel that their child is struggling in school or at the home because of their inattention and impulsivity. It is important that you or your child is honest with the professional who conducts the assessment. They can then recommend strategies that will help improve the situation.
Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD. There are many types of medications available and your medical professional will be able to discuss what is right for your child or yourself. Another option is to talk with an professional. Some online therapists, such BetterHelp provide free online assessments and are able to match you with a seasoned therapy provider within 48 hours.