How to Get Assessed For ADHD
ADHD symptoms can cause problems in many aspects of life. They may lose their job due to their inability to perform or argue with their spouse frequently or spend money that they don't have.
It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis. To do this it is necessary to consult an expert in mental health that is knowledgeable about ADHD.
1. Request a referral
Many adults have a hard time getting diagnosed with ADHD. Low self-esteem and poor performance at school or work along with issues with relationships and finances are all common symptoms of ADHD. If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, it's important to talk to your doctor about it and get an assessment before it's late. You can ask your primary doctor to recommend a specialist, or look online for the directory of your health insurance company or local support groups.
During the ADHD assessment, you'll be able discuss the symptoms with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They'll also interview people who are familiar with you such as family members or friends. They will ask you questions about your past and present and also any issues you're currently experiencing. They'll also inquire about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily activities.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more settings including at home, at school and on the job. The symptoms must be sufficient to cause significant impairment. Impairment can include losing a job because of attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder symptoms, experiencing frequent conflict and distress in a marriage or getting into financial trouble because of impulsive spending.
Your healthcare provider will use an assessment of your behavior to help determine whether you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. You may be asked to complete it prior to your appointment or fill it during the evaluation. The healthcare professional could also ask about your work and social life to determine how you're doing in different situations. They could also conduct tests for learning disabilities or neuropsychological disorders to ensure that you don't have a different medical condition that is causing your symptoms.
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In the course of your examination during your evaluation, you'll meet with your doctor to discuss the symptoms and how they impact your life. It's important that you be honest and don't hold your information back out of fear of judgment or criticism. Your evaluator won't be able to accurately diagnose your issues if you're honest.
You might be asked to fill out a behavior rating system. These are a list of common behaviors that show up in people suffering from ADHD and the evaluator will take a look at the frequency you display those behaviors to determine if you suffer from ADHD. The evaluator may ask about your past experiences with ADHD and other mental health conditions. They'll also go over your medical and family history.
It's important to note that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD you must show at least six symptoms that significantly interfere with your school, work, and social life. Your symptoms must also have started before the age of 12 and be present for at least six months in a variety of settings, such as school and home or work and afterschool activities.
Based on the specific circumstances of your case, the evaluator may also want to run cognitive tests to determine if you have intellectual or learning disabilities that could cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. You may also be screened for personality or mood disorders, which can have symptoms that are very similar to the symptoms of ADHD. They will also perform an examination to rule out any other medical causes for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. Having a proper diagnosis is the first step to managing the symptoms that are causing chaos in your life.
3. Take a list of symptoms
You may think that you were "lucky" to not have been diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child, or that it just "went away". But the signs do not stop since you're an adult. Even if you are not at school or working in a job, the condition can influence your daily life. You may be more disorganized and forget things easily. You may also find that it is difficult to stay focused when you are at work or during conversations with your friends.
During the test an expert will inquire about your childhood, your present lifestyle and any difficulties that you're experiencing at home or at work. They might also ask about any issues you're experiencing with your relationships. It's also possible they will require you and your family members to fill out one or more rating scales to determine how much your symptoms affect your daily routine.
It's not uncommon for medical professionals to have preconceived notions regarding what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis if you're a person of color, a woman at birth, or don't happen to be an native English speaker.
If you are concerned about these biases you might want to locate a professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can ask your GP to recommend a specialist, speak to others who suffer from ADHD, or search on the internet for professionals in your area. You may also wish to join one of the adult ADHD support groups in order to learn from others who have experienced the same thing as you. Many of these groups provide referral services.
4. Take the test
The health care professional who conducts your or your child's examination will speak to you about your symptoms. They may ask questions and provide you or your child various rating scales or questionnaires to complete. They will also review your or child's medical, psychiatric and family background. They may also speak to caregivers and teachers and family members, friends, coaches, and co-workers. They will also look at the behavior of your child or you to determine if it matches up with ADHD symptoms.
To satisfy the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, your or your child's symptoms must have been present for at least six months, and be significantly above what would be expected of your child's age and developmental level. They must cause problems in multiple settings, including at home, at work, school or in other settings. Other conditions like anxiety or depression cannot be the reason for the symptoms.
The evaluator will then compare your child's or your symptoms with those of other people who have been identified as having ADHD. The evaluator then writes a report containing their findings. This will include whether they think you or your child has ADHD or not and, if so, what type of ADHD you or your child has (hyperactive/impulsive or inattentive). This report will help them figure out the best treatment plan for your child or you. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a daunting label but it's important remember that it will also give you the tools to manage your or your child's symptoms, and improve their lives. Getting the right diagnosis can help you or your child to achieve success at home, at school, and at work.
5. Get a diagnosis
A complete assessment of ADHD could take between one and three hours. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, family history and the symptoms. They will want to know about your symptoms and how they affect your work, your personal life and your relationships. They will compare your symptoms with the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition for ADHD.
If you have someone close to you who has ADHD and is a good example, they could give you suggestions for a medical healthcare professional in your area who does ADHD assessments. You may also contact your primary care physician or an a mental health professional for suggestions. It is important to be honest with your evaluator regarding your symptoms, even if do not believe they're serious or that you have been diagnosed with. The truth is that unmanaged ADHD can cause major problems in your professional and personal life.
The evaluator could use a variety of rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. You may be given a questionnaire before your appointment, or you can complete it with them during the appointment. They may also ask to interview others, like your parents or partner, or school personnel. They could also inquire about your past medical or mental health history.
You should have experienced a variety of symptoms since the age of 7 (technically before you reached the age of 12). You should also be experiencing the symptoms in various settings and affect your daily functioning whether at home, work or at school. It is also essential to rule out any other causes of your symptoms, such as a learning disability or a mental health issues.