Getting Tested For ADHD
The first step in getting checked for ADHD is finding a trained professional who can assess your child or adult. Consult your family doctor, therapist or psychologist for suggestions.
The examiner wants to know about your personal history. You'll be asked about your school performance as well as your medical history. They'll require the exact date when your symptoms started.
Symptoms
Tests for ADHD are the first step in controlling symptoms that affect your everyday life. The condition can cause many issues, from forgetting work projects to missing appointments. Family relationships, finances and relationships are also affected by the symptoms. Whether you are struggling to stay on top of work, in financial trouble due to excessive spending or having difficulty managing your emotions or your relationship with your children or family members, an ADHD diagnosis can help you recover from these issues.
Your health care professional will begin by interviewing you or your child. They will ask questions about you or your child's development as well as the history of illness and family life. They will also ask about any other issues you or your child might have, such as anxiety or depression. They might also want to speak to other people in your child's or your life such as coaches, teachers or daycare providers.
Your child's behavior or that of your child will be evaluated by a health professional using questionnaires or rating scales. They may also inquire about your your child's past school performance and achievements. Some experts may also look over medical records, like x-rays and blood tests, 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 must be serious enough to cause significant impairment in two environments, such as work and school. The symptoms must have first manifested before the age of 12 and have to be consistent over time. The behavior that is impulsive for you or your child must not be a result of other disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Adults need to meet a higher threshold to be granted an ADHD diagnosis, which is five out of nine symptoms in the span of six months. The symptoms must be severe in two distinct situations and be consistent over time. This is the same for adults who are being assessed for bipolar disorders.
A person with ADHD is typically diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, but some are evaluated for it by primary care doctors or pediatricians. It is possible to search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessment and treatment, and you can also get recommendations from other health care providers. Check the professional's credentials and academic qualifications. Also, make sure they will accept your health insurance.
Diagnosis
For a medical professional to diagnose ADHD, they will review the symptoms your child or you are experiencing and follow up with a thorough evaluation. This may include a physical exam, an interview with your child or yourself and a review of school or work documents.
All primary care providers including pediatricians, physicians, and mental health professionals are able to diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure of the right person to consult seek recommendations from trusted family or friends members. You can also search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD in your region.
During the evaluation the healthcare specialist will take into consideration factors like the child's or your child's growth, family and personal history, and their current lifestyle. They may also inquire about the impact of symptoms on your life, or the life of your child. They may also want to talk to teachers or school officials, especially when your child's performance at school is in question. private adhd test from the past could reveal patterns that suggest ADHD.
A physical exam can identify medical conditions such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders that may be co-occurring or mimic ADHD. The evaluator might ask you or your child to provide an exhaustive list of symptoms that have been present for how long. They'll also typically ask questions that are specific to the child's age to provide an accurate picture of how the symptoms impact daily functioning.
The person who evaluates you will typically use questionnaires or rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms and determine how severe they are. They may also give you or your child an assessment of neuropsychological or learning disabilities test. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can reveal how your symptoms affect learning and performance.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be upsetting or even difficult, but it can make you feel more confident and understand. The diagnosis also explains the reasons you struggle with everyday skills like paying attention to directions, following instructions, listening to your surroundings, and organizing tasks that are easy for most people. It could also cause you to be granted accommodations at work or in school that can have a significant impact on your ability to manage everyday tasks.
Treatment
Talk to your child's primary care provider if you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They can evaluate your child and refer them to specialists if needed. You should also talk to your child's teacher. They will often spot signs of ADHD in children and can give valuable feedback on your child's school performance.
Your doctor must be able see how the symptoms impact your child or adult at home and in various settings, such as school or work. They must be able identify how the symptoms affect the daily routine in different settings and whether the symptoms are due to another physical or mental disorder. Your child or you might be asked about the history of ADHD in your family as well as mood disorders and other diseases that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
You may be asked to complete the behavioral rating scale or psychological tests to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. You could be required to undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions like seizure disorders or thyroid problems, which can sometimes mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that the current diagnostic guidelines stipulate that a person may only be diagnosed with ADHD when they have displayed symptoms as when they were a child. The person evaluating you will require school records that you have from your childhood. They may ask your parents or former teachers to describe the symptoms you are experiencing.
When deciding on which specialist to choose for an evaluation make sure you do your research. Find out if the professional has any professional accreditations or academic degrees. Make sure the specialist accepts your insurance and that you are comfortable with them. Request recommendations and reviews from other specialists who have worked with the specialist that you're considering. Some specialists offer online assessments. This is a convenient alternative for adults who aren't able to make an appointment with a primary care physician or psychiatrist.
Support
Many people find the process of seeking the diagnosis of ADHD daunting. You will likely meet with numerous professionals and will receive tests and questionnaires. Do your homework on the specialist that you choose. Ask your friends, family and therapists to suggest the right specialist. You can also look up online for professional degrees and academic qualifications. Find out how much the doctor charges and if your insurance policy covers the evaluation. Some specialists have websites that contain testimonials from former patients and clients. It is important to choose a professional that is comfortable and can answer your questions.
Your mental health professional will be looking to talk about your childhood experiences and your current life. The diagnostician will probably use interview and rating scales with you and your parents. You might be asked to bring old report cards, performance evaluations and other records that may assist in the screening. Certain tests that are specialized may be used, such as those measuring your intellectual ability or learning disabilities.
If you suffer from other medical conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder they could impact the results of the test for ADHD. Your evaluator also needs to know whether any of your family members have ADHD. If you have family members who suffer from ADHD the odds of developing the disorder are increased.
A successful screening can result in a precise diagnosis and treatment that will make your life better. Adults suffering from ADHD who have been diagnosed can apply for accommodations at school and at work. Accommodations can include a quieter workspace, being allowed extra time to complete tasks and much more.
Talk to your doctor, therapist or life coach today about whether you could be suffering from ADHD. If needed, they can refer you to an ADHD specialist. You can also find specialists by getting a recommendation from a friend, a support group, or by searching your insurance provider's directory for qualified professionals. BetterHelp is an online service that connects you with licensed therapists with experience treating ADHD. Begin a session as little as 48 hours.