Getting Tested For ADHD
Finding a professional competent to assess your child or you as an adult is the first step. Consult your family physician or therapist for suggestions.
The evaluator is interested in knowing about your past. You'll be asked about your school performance as well as your medical history. They'll also ask the date you first noticed symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Tests for ADHD are the first step to control symptoms that affect your everyday life. The condition causes many problems such as forgetting appointments or not finishing projects at work. Symptoms also affect relationships, family and finances. If you're having difficulty keeping up with your work schedule, are in financial difficulty because of the impulse to buy, or if you're having issues managing your emotions or relationships with your children or family members, an ADHD diagnosis can aid.
Your child or you will be interviewed first by a health professional. They will inquire about your or your child's progress as well as the history of illness and family life. They will also ask if you or your child has any other concerns including anxiety or depressive disorders. They might also want to talk with other people in your or your child's life, such as teachers, coaches or daycare providers.
Your child's or your behavior will be evaluated by a health professional by using questionnaires or rating scales. They might also ask about your your child's schooling and achievements. Some experts may also examine medical records, such as blood tests and xrays to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms of your child or you.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your or your child's symptoms have to be severe enough to cause significant impairment in two different settings, such as work and school. The symptomatic behaviors must have started before age 12 and they are not recurring over time. The behaviors that are impulsive in you or your child must not be due to other disorders like depression or anxiety.
Adults must be able to meet a higher threshold in order to receive an ADHD diagnosis that is five out of nine symptoms in the span of six months. The symptoms have to cause major problems in two settings and be consistent over time. The criteria are similar to the ones for adults who are screened for bipolar disorder.
A person with ADHD may be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist. However certain people are screened by their primary physician or pediatrician. You can search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluation and treatment and you can also seek referrals from other health providers. Make sure you verify the professional's credentials and academic degrees, and make sure that they are able to accept insurance.
Diagnosis
For a medical professional to diagnose ADHD they will look over the symptoms your child or you is experiencing and follow up with a thorough evaluation. This includes a physical exam as well as an interview with your child or you, reviewing school or work records, and possibly testing using specialized ADHD tests or questionnaires.
Mental health professionals, like psychologists or psychiatrists, as well as primary care providers, including doctors and pediatricians, can all diagnose ADHD. If you are not sure of the right person to consult get recommendations from trusted friends or family members. You can also search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD in your area.
During the examination, the healthcare professional will take into consideration aspects like the growth of your child or you, your family and personal history, as well as your present lifestyle. They will also talk about the ways in which symptoms have affected you or your child's life. They might need to talk to teachers or school officials too, especially if you are concerned about your child's academic performance. Old report cards can be useful in identifying patterns that could indicate ADHD.
A physical exam is essential to identify medical conditions that can be a co-occurring cause of ADHD, such as seizures or a thyroid disorder. The examiner will typically ask for a detailed list of your child's or yours's symptoms and how long they have occurred. They will also usually ask questions that are specific to the child's age to provide an accurate understanding of how the symptoms affect daily life.
The evaluator may use questionnaires or rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms and determine the severity of the symptoms. They might also administer you or your child a neuropsychological or learning disability test. These tests cannot determine ADHD but they can show how your symptoms affect learning and performance.
Being given an ADHD diagnosis can be upsetting or even difficult, but it can also help you feel more secure and understand. A diagnosis may also provide a reason why you have difficulty with everyday tasks like paying attention, listening carefully to directions, and organizing yourself. These are the things that most people can do easily. It can also lead you to be offered accommodations at school or work and can have a significant impact on how you manage day-to-day tasks.
Treatment
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD begin by speaking with their primary caregiver. They can evaluate your child and recommend them to a specialist when needed. It's also a good idea to talk with your child's teachers. Teachers are often able to give you valuable feedback on your child's school performance.
Your health care provider should be able to discern how the symptoms affect your child or adult at home as well as in different settings, like school or at work. They should be able to see how the symptoms manifest into the way of life in multiple settings and that the symptoms aren't triggered by another mental health disorder or physical illness. You or your child might be asked about the background of ADHD in your family or mood disorders, as well as other diseases that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety or depression.
Your evaluator may also require you to take tests of your psychological health or a behavior rating scale to check for the presence of ADHD symptoms. You may be asked to undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions like seizure disorders or thyroid problems which may be a cause of symptoms similar to ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that the current diagnostic guidelines state that a person cannot be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult unless they showed symptoms in childhood. The evaluator may ask to see your school records from your childhood, and your parents or former educators could describe your symptoms.
When deciding on which specialist to choose for an evaluation Do your research. Find out if the specialist has any professional qualifications or academic degrees. Make sure the specialist accepts your insurance and that you are comfortable with them. Talk to other professionals who have had experience working with the specialist you're interested in and request recommendations and reviews. Some specialists offer online evaluations that can be an ideal option for those who have difficulty obtaining an appointment with their primary care physician or psychiatrist.
Support
Many people are unable to make an assessment of ADHD difficult. You'll likely meet with a number of specialists and be asked to take tests or fill out questionnaires. It's important to do your homework on the professional you choose. Ask family members, friends and therapists for suggestions and browse the internet for professional qualifications and academic degrees. Find out the cost of the professional and whether the examination is covered by your insurance. female adhd test have websites that provide testimonials from former patients as well as clients. Choosing a professional who puts you at ease and is able to be able to answer your questions is crucial for the success of the screening process.
Your mental health professional might want to talk about your childhood and present life. The doctor may use rating scales and interview questions with you and your parents. You may be asked to bring old report cards and performance evaluations, and any other records that might help with the screening process. Some tests that are specific to you like tests that test your intelligence ability or your learning disability, could be considered.
You could be affected by the results of the ADHD screening if you suffer from another condition, such as bipolar disorder or depression. The evaluator also needs to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD. Having close family members with ADHD increases the chances that you'll be suffering from the condition.
A successful screening will lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment that will enhance your life. An adult diagnosed with ADHD can request accommodations at work and in school. Accommodations can include a quieter working environment, extra time for tasks, and much more.
Talk with your therapist, doctor, or life coach today to discuss whether you may have ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in the event of need. You can also locate specialists by asking for recommendations from a family member, a support group, or searching the directory of your insurance company for professionals who are qualified. BetterHelp is an online service that connects you with licensed therapists with experience treating ADHD. Start a session as little as 48 hours.