How Can I Get Tested For ADHD?
If you or someone you know has challenges at home, school and at work that aren't explained by other issues, an ADHD evaluation could be necessary. The process can last for several hours and includes direct observation of the child in different settings, including at home and school.
The providers review family and medical history as well as school records. They also interview the individual suffering from symptoms as well as their partner or close friend.
Diagnosis
Finding an ADHD diagnosis or screening is the first step toward finding treatment that can help you control your symptoms and continue with your life. The best treatment will enable you do your job well and stay organized. It can also help you manage stress.
The process of screening or evaluating may differ however, you should anticipate a lengthy discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life or that of your child. You might be asked to respond to questions on rating scales and questionnaires regarding your behavior or your child's, as well as complete medical, family and mental health history. You'll also have to be prepared to provide the school and activity records of your child or yourself. The healthcare professional may need to talk with those who are familiar with your children, like teachers, coaches, or parents. They could also speak with others regarding their observations of the behavior of your child.
A professional with expertise in ADHD diagnosis will examine the data to determine whether you or your child has a problem with impulsivity, hyperactivity or attention. They will also determine which type of ADHD you or your child has--inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined. The person who evaluates your child or you will be looking at the severity of symptoms they exhibit, the frequency they occur and if they result in impairment at home, school or at work. They will also rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, for example depression or other mental illnesses, thyroid problems or physical issues like hearing loss or vision problems.
If a healthcare professional decides you or your child has ADHD, they will determine the cause in accordance with American Psychiatric Association Guidelines. The evaluator may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing to see whether you have an underlying condition that could be contributing to your child's issues like anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment. These tests are usually not required for an ADHD diagnosis however, they may be recommended in the case of severe symptoms.
Treatment
Getting an ADHD screening and diagnosis is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that may be negatively impacting your daily life especially at school or work. The process of evaluation isn't always easy. Honesty is essential. Remember, your doctor will help you find a way to manage your symptoms and live the best life you can.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit more than six signs and these symptoms must affect your ability to function in a variety of environments (home, school, work). You must have experienced these symptoms prior to age 12. You must have had these symptoms prior to age 12.
Your doctor will also conduct additional testing, such as a physical exam to rule out any medical conditions which could be causing your symptoms. A psychologist or neuropsychologist may also be involved in the evaluation process to evaluate the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect you. Psychological and/or neurological testing can include tests of your motor skills, memory, and learning abilities.
The final stage of an ADHD screening is an in-depth analysis of all the data gathered. A health care professional might interview parents, you or other caregivers as well as religious leaders, teachers, scout leaders and former employers. The doctor may also seek the help of a trusted friend or coworker who is familiar with you. These people may also receive questionnaires from your health care professional to gather more details. The health professional will then determine whether you have ADHD and what treatment is most appropriate for you. Treatment options may include medication, therapy and/or lifestyle changes. Medications might include stimulants and non-stimulants which are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. These drugs can cause side effects like insomnia, trouble sleeping at night, and an increase in heart rate.
Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of ADHD may also be a sign of other disorders like depression and anxiety. They may be caused by certain medications or illnesses and lifestyle factors. Therefore, an exhaustive evaluation is required to determine if someone has ADHD. A medical professional will typically interview the patient and their family members, conduct questionnaires and tests and ask for information from those who are familiar with them most closely. This includes current and former teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is crucial to tell the truth and not conceal any information even if it's embarrassing.
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are among the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention is a disorder in which people are unable to pay attention to what other people are saying. They might also forget important tasks or misplace items. People who have hyperactivity/impulsivity are restless, fidgety or can't sit still for long periods of time. They may attempt to do several things at the same time or interrupt other people in conversations and games. They often make decisions without considering their consequences or how others might react.
Adults with ADHD struggle with managing their schedules following directions and organising their home or work life. They can make frequent mistakes on simple tasks or fail to submit their work in time or miss out on opportunities due to not planning ahead. They may also have difficulty staying in touch with their family and friends or forming and maintaining relationships.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or adult must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention and 5 or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (or both) for at least six months. The symptoms must be severe and disrupt everyday life, for example at school at work, at home or in social settings. They must have first started before age 12, and cannot be explained by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, don't assume they're normal, or that you can fix them on your own. Instead, visit a mental health professional to have a psychiatric assessment. This will include a thorough description of your symptoms and a thorough review of past medical and mental history. The evaluation will include questionnaires and a physical examination to rule out any other condition that could be causing them.
Support
Adults who think they might have ADHD are able to find a range of self-tests online or rating scales. But those don't replace the actual evaluation of a doctor.
A typical assessment for ADHD takes between one and three hours. private testing for adhd will inquire about the person's development, family history, health and lifestyle. They will also take into consideration the symptoms the patient is experiencing and whether they affect their work, school, or home life. They may ask the person's parents or spouse to talk to them, and they could request old report cards, medical insurance information or performance evaluations from work.
It can be helpful for family members to learn more about ADHD so they understand what their loved one goes through. This will help them assist the person and help them fulfill their responsibilities. They can also avoid making remarks that are negative or demeaning. Knowing that ADHD isn't the result of too much screen-time or poor parenting, for instance this can help you to be more understanding when the person is unable to remember their keys or fails to attend an appointment.
A doctor will diagnose a patient after reviewing all the data, including a physical exam. They will check for other possible causes of the issue like hearing or vision issues. They'll also compare the person's behavior to the behavior of other people their age and use standardized rating scales.
Adults have to meet the lower threshold for symptoms (5 out of 9 during the last six months) to be diagnosed with ADHD, but still have to be able to show enough signs to cause significant limitations in their lives. They also need to have these symptoms since the age of a child (technically prior to the age of 12).
When the diagnosis is made, it may be tempting for a person with ADHD to think they don't require treatment anymore. But it's important to stick with the treatment plan. For children, this means attending regular appointments and following up with the doctor. For adults, it means being honest with colleagues and friends about their ADHD and utilizing support services like medication management, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching.