Getting Tested For ADHD
Finding a professional who is competent to assess your child or you as an adult is the first step. Ask your family doctor, therapist or psychologist for suggestions.
The examiner wants to know about your past. You'll be asked about your school performance as well as your medical history. They'll also ask when you started experiencing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Tests for ADHD are the first step to control symptoms that interfere with your everyday life. The condition can cause a variety of problems, ranging from forgetting to complete work assignments to missing appointments. The symptoms can also affect relationships, family and finances. If you're trying to keep up with work, or are struggling financially because of impulsive spending or are having trouble managing your emotions and your relationship with your children or family members, an ADHD diagnosis can help you get relief from these problems.
You or your child will be interviewed first by a health care professional. They will inquire about your child's or your own development, family history, and diseases. They will also inquire about any other issues you or your child may have, such as depression or anxiety. They might also want to talk to other people in your child's or your life, like teachers, coaches, or daycare providers.
Your child's behavior or that of your child will be assessed by the health professional using rating scales or questionnaires. They may also inquire about the past achievements and performance of your child, or yourself at school. Some experts prefer to see medical records, like blood tests and x-rays, to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be the cause of the symptoms of your child or you.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you or your child's symptoms have to be severe enough to cause significant impairment in two settings like work and school. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and continue to manifest over time. The behaviors that are impulsive in you or your child should not be a result of other disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Adults need to attain a higher threshold to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis that is five out of nine symptoms over six months. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings and continue to recur over time. This is the same for adults being assessed for bipolar disorders.
A person with ADHD is typically diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist However, some are screened for the condition by primary care physicians or pediatricians. You can look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluation and treatment and you can also seek referrals from other health providers. Verify the credentials of the specialist, including their academic degrees. Also, make sure they will accept your health insurance.
Diagnosis
A medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment after analyzing the symptoms you or your child are experiencing. This may include a physical examination and an interview with your child or yourself and a review of work or school records.
Mental health professionals, like psychologists or psychiatrists, and primary care providers, including doctors and pediatricians can all diagnose ADHD. If you are not sure of the right person to consult, ask for recommendations from trusted family or friends members. You can also search online for professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD.
During the examination the healthcare professional will consider factors such as your or your child's development along with personal and family background, as well as the your current life. They might also inquire about how symptoms have affected your life, or the life of your child. They will probably need to talk to teachers or school officials, too particularly if you are worried about your child's academic performance. ADHD test from the past can be helpful in revealing patterns that could point to ADHD.
A physical exam can help identify medical conditions like thyroid problems or seizure disorders which could mimic or coexist ADHD. The evaluator may ask you or your child to submit an exhaustive list of symptoms that have been present for how long. They will ask questions that are tailored to the age of the person in order to get an accurate picture of the symptoms and how they affect the way they function in their daily lives.
The examiner might utilize questionnaires or rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms and determine their severity. They might also conduct a test for your child or you an assessment of neuropsychological or learning disabilities test. These tests cannot diagnose ADHD however they can reveal how your symptoms affect learning and performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of confusion or anger but it can also help you feel more confident. A diagnosis can also help you understand why you struggle with life skills like paying attention, listening carefully, following directions and organizing your life. These are the things that most people can do easily. It could also cause accommodations at school or work, which can make huge differences in how you manage your daily tasks.
Treatment
Talk to your child's primary health care provider if you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They can evaluate your child and refer them to specialists if needed. It's important to speak with your child's teachers. Teachers can often give you valuable feedback regarding your child's school performance.
To diagnose ADHD the health care provider needs to know how the symptoms affect your child or adult in two distinct settings, such as at home and school or at work. They must be able to identify how the symptoms affect everyday life in different settings, and if the symptoms are caused by another mental illness or physical condition. You or your child could be asked about your family's history with ADHD or mood issues, as well as other illnesses or conditions that can cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
You might be asked to fill out a behavioral rating scale or psychological tests to determine if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms. You could be asked to undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems, which can sometimes be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the current diagnostic guidelines say that a person can only be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that they've displayed symptoms as a child. The evaluator will want to examine any school records that you have from your childhood. They may ask your parents or former teachers to describe your symptoms.
Do your research before choosing the expert to evaluate. Find out what professional accreditations and qualifications the specialists hold. Be sure that the specialist accepts insurance and you feel comfortable working with them. Ask for recommendations and reviews from other professionals who have worked with the specialist that you're thinking of. Some specialists offer online assessments, which can be an option for adults who have difficulty obtaining an appointment with their primary care physician or psychiatrist.
Support
Many people find that seeking a diagnosis for ADHD is a daunting. You'll likely meet with a variety of professionals and take tests and questionnaires. Do your research about the doctor you select. Ask friends, family and therapists for recommendations and search online for professional qualifications and academic degrees. Find out how much the expert charges and whether your insurance policy covers the exam. Certain specialists have websites that offer testimonials from former patients and clients. It is important to choose a professional that makes you feel at ease and can answer your questions.
Your mental health professional might need to discuss your childhood and your current situation. The clinician will likely ratings and interview scales with you and your parents. You might also be asked to bring old report cards, performance evaluations, as well as any other documents that could help with the screening process. Certain tests designed for specific purposes could be used, such as those measuring your intellectual ability or learning disability.
If you have other conditions like depression or bipolar disorder they could impact the results of the screening for ADHD. The person evaluating you must be aware of whether any members of your family are suffering from ADHD. If you have close relatives with ADHD increases the chances that you'll be suffering from the disorder.
A successful screening will lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment that can make your life better. Adults with ADHD who have been diagnosed may apply for accommodations in school and at work. Accommodations can include a more peaceful work environment, additional time for tasks, and much more.
Talk with your therapist, doctor, or life coach right now about whether you could be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in the event of need. You can also find the right specialist by asking a friend for a referral, joining an online support group, or by searching the directory of your insurance company. BetterHelp is an online service that matches ADHD sufferers with licensed therapists. Begin your session as little as 48 hours.