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.
The first step is to find a specialist. Ask your doctor for recommendations, or ask friends and family members for recommendations of a person who specializes in ADHD. Check out the professional credentials of potential specialists and learn about the fees they charge.
1. Talk to your doctor
Your primary care doctor can help you understand the causes of your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. Requesting recommendations from your friends and therapists you trust is also a great idea.
A thorough evaluation is essential for both adults and children. Signs of ADHD can create problems at school, work, and home. Many people find that medications can help with ADHD. However therapy can be beneficial. You won't be able to receive treatment if you don't know the symptoms you're suffering from.
The examiner asks you questions about your symptoms along with medical history and family history. They might also use an assessment scale that lists behaviors typical of those with ADHD. They might request a relative or friend to fill out the form prior to your appointment, or require you complete it during the examination. They'll probably look for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms -things like depression and anxiety.
Be honest when speaking to your assessor. It can be hard to admit that you or your child is having trouble paying attention or controlling their emotions, particularly if those traits are seen as "bad." But you'll probably feel better once you have an accurate, professional diagnosis.
The person who is conducting the test is likely to want to review the medical records of previous patients, which may include eye exams, blood tests physical examinations and eye exams. They might also look over report cards from your or their school days and inquire about their experiences with teachers.
If you or your children have the basic characteristics of ADHD the assessor may recommend additional tests to rule out medical issues. They may also recommend an evaluation for psychiatric issues to rule out other conditions like anxiety or mood problems that can sometimes appear similar to ADHD.
Your evaluator explains your test results and makes suggestions on how to help. They usually provide you with the final report. If they don't, you can request them to provide it to you. The evaluator follows the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association's big book, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
2. Request a referral
It is recommended to seek an appointment with a doctor or specialist who specializes in ADHD assessment. You can ask your doctor for a referral or search online through your health insurance provider to find an expert. Psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are all qualified to conduct ADHD assessments, but some have special training in working with adults and children who suffer from ADHD.
You can also ask your friends family members, coworkers or relatives with ADHD about their experiences working with specialists. They may suggest the services of a psychiatrist or therapist they are comfortable with, or they may recommend an online therapy service such as BetterHelp. Its experts will match you with an experienced, licensed therapist within 48 hours.
It will be important to select an expert that's approach matches your individual preferences and comfort level. Find their credentials on your own, and check to see if your health insurance will cover their services.
The first step to determine whether you or your child suffer from ADHD is a conversation with the healthcare professional who will conduct the evaluation. They will ask about your family and medical history, school and work performance, and signs. They might also ask that you or your child complete one or more rating scales that identify the common behaviors of people with ADHD. The healthcare professional might also ask you to speak to those who are familiar with you, like your spouse, other close family members, close friends, teachers and coaches to find out more about the issues you're experiencing.
If your healthcare professional suspects that you may have ADHD and they suspect it, they will inquire about your childhood symptoms. It is currently believed that ADHD will only manifest in later life. Therefore, the specialist will inquire about any symptoms that you might have experienced as a child.
The expert will then use their own experiences and research to carry out an extensive ADHD assessment. They will likely use an interview with a clinician to collect your your child's medical and family history, and will do neuropsychological testing. These tests can help differentiate between ADHD and other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
3. Take the test
There is no single test to determine if you or your child has ADHD. Doctors typically employ a combination of physical exams, behavioral testing and questionnaires. They might also ask you or your child to describe how the symptoms affect everyday activities. Your doctor may employ a different screening method for children than adults due to the difference in their age and development stages.
During the examination, your doctor will ask you if you or any of your children have had other mental health issues. They may also inquire about your family history of ADHD and if anyone close to you has it. They may inquire about the consequences of your child's behavior or your own at school, at home or at work. They might ask if you or your child is often losing the track of time, has difficulty remembering details or forgets about appointments.
Doctors may also ask about past traumas that you or your child endured and if there are concerns regarding drug or alcohol abuse. They will also ask about your child's emotional and social skills. They may inquire about your or your child's relationship with other children and if they are often 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 should create significant disruption to daily functioning.
You can take an online ADHD test to determine if you're experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of this disorder. These screenings are helpful but they aren't a substitute for an expert diagnosis. They could be misleading and provide a false impression of your symptoms or the child's.
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 an ancestral history of ADHD or if you have ever experienced anxiety or depression. They may refer you to a mental health professional or psychiatrist for an assessment.
The first step is to locate a specialist who is trained in ADHD diagnosis. You can ask your primary care physician for recommendations or a friend or family member. Many of the mental health professionals who test children for ADHD are also able to evaluate adults too. Once you've identified an expert, they will conduct a lengthy clinical interview and may use questionnaires, rating scales or brain scans. The specialist will likely inquire with you about your child's academic performance and may want to talk to teachers as well. They will ask you for old report cards to help them examine patterns of behavior and trends.
The symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months in different environments, such as work, school and home, 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 provide relief to parents, especially if they feel that their child is struggling at school or at home due to their inattention and impulsivity. It is essential that you or your child are honest with the person who conducts the assessment. They can then suggest strategies to improve the situation.
Medication is the most popular treatment for ADHD. There are several types of medication available. Your health care professional will discuss the best option for your child or yourself. Another option is to talk to 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.