How Can I Get Tested For ADHD?
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties at school, home, and at work that aren't explained by other causes then an ADHD evaluation might be in order. The process typically takes a long time and requires direct observation in multiple environments, including at home and school.
The providers review family and medical history as well as school records. They also interview the patient suffering from symptoms, as well as their partner or close friends.
Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis or screening is the first step toward finding a treatment that will assist you in managing your symptoms and continue with your life. The right treatment will help you to do your job efficiently and remain organized. It can also aid in managing stress.
The process of screening or evaluation varies, but you should be prepared for a long discussion of your symptoms and how they impact you or your child's daily functioning. You may be asked to answer questions on rating scales as well as questionnaires about your child's behavior, or your own and 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 want to talk to other people who know you and your child, such as teachers, coaches or parents, and could also ask others about their observations of you or your child's behavior.
A professional with expertise in ADHD diagnosis will go over the information 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 how many symptoms are present, how often they occur and if they result in difficulties at school, at home or at work. They will also rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, like depression or other mental illnesses, thyroid problems, or some physical problems like hearing loss or vision problems.
If a healthcare professional concludes that you or your child has ADHD, they will make a diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association guidelines. The evaluator could suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to see whether you have an underlying condition that could contribute to your child's difficulties such as anxiety or depression or an intellectual disability. These tests aren't usually required to determine ADHD however, they could be recommended if symptoms are severe.
Treatment
Getting an ADHD screening and diagnosis is the first step towards controlling the symptoms that may be adversely impacting your life especially at work or at school. The process of evaluating yourself is not always easy. It requires a lot honesty. Remember, your healthcare provider will help you figure out ways to manage your symptoms and live the best life possible.
You must be suffering from at least six signs, and they must hinder your ability function in multiple environments (home school, at home, or at work). You must have had these symptoms prior to the age of 12. You must have experienced these symptoms since before age 12.
Your doctor may also conduct other tests, like physical examinations, to rule out medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. A psychologist or neuropsychologist may be part of the evaluation process to assess how ADHD symptoms impact your life. Testing can be conducted by a psychologist or neuropsychologist to test your motor skills, memory and learning abilities.
The final stage of an ADHD screening involves an exhaustive review of the data collected. A health professional may interview you and your parents, as well as other caregivers teachers, religious and scout leaders, as well as former employers. The doctor may also seek the help of a close friend or colleague who is familiar with you. The health professional may also send questionnaires to these people for more details. The health specialist will then determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and what treatment is the best for you. Treatment options could include therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications. These medications may include stimulants or non-stimulants, which are the most frequently used drugs for treating ADHD. These medications can cause side effects like insomnia, trouble sleeping at night, or a slight increase in heart rate.
Symptoms
A lot of the symptoms of ADHD are also signs of other disorders, like anxiety and depression. They may also be caused by certain illnesses, medications and lifestyle factors. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if someone suffers from ADHD. This is typically done by a healthcare professional who will conduct an interview with the patient and their family members, fill out tests and questionnaires and seek out information from others who know them well. This includes former and current teachers and coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. It's important to be as honest as possible, and not be afraid to speak up about anything that might be embarrassing.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the most common symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD are not always able to be attentive to what other people are talking about, and they may miss important tasks or lose things frequently. People who have hyperactivity/impulsivity are restless, fidgety or can't sit still for long periods of time. They may try to do multiple things at once, or interrupt other people during games or conversations. They frequently make rash choices without taking into account the consequences or how others might feel.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty keeping appointments, following directions and organizing their home or work life. They may make mistakes with simple tasks, or fail to submit their work on time. They may also miss opportunities if they do not plan. They may also have difficulty maintaining relationships with family members and friends or keeping in touch.
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 interfere with everyday life, like at school at work, at home or in social settings. They must have first started before the age of 12, and cannot be explained by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
If you experience these symptoms, don't assume they are normal or that you can improve them on your own. Instead, see an expert in mental health for a psychiatric evaluation. This will include a thorough description of your symptoms, and a thorough review of your medical and mental history. The examination will also consist of questionnaires and a physical exam to rule out any other conditions that could cause them.
Support
There are many self-tests and rating scales online for adults who suspect they may have ADHD. These tests are not a substitute for an evaluation by a physician.
An ADHD assessment usually takes between one to three hours. The doctor will inquire about the person's growth and family history, health, and lifestyle. They'll also take into account the symptoms the person is experiencing and whether they affect school, work or home life. They could request the person's parents or spouse to interview them, and may also request old report cards, medical insurance details or performance evaluations at work.
To help loved ones understand what their loved one suffers from, it may be helpful to learn more about ADHD. free test for adhd can help them assist the person in meeting their obligations, and avoid making comments that could be hurtful or stigmatizing. For example, knowing that ADHD is not the result of excessive screen time or bad parenting could help to be more understanding when the person has lost their keys or misses an appointment.
A doctor will come up with an assessment after they've reviewed all the information they have including a physical examination. They will check for any other causes of the issue, such as hearing and vision problems. They'll also evaluate the person's behavior with that of other people their age, and use standard rating scales.
Adults have to meet an upper threshold for symptoms (5 out of 9 during the last six months) to be diagnosed with ADHD However, they must still to have enough symptoms to cause significant limitations in their lives. They also must have experienced these symptoms since the age of 12 (technically prior to the age of 12).
It's tempting for those diagnosed with ADHD to believe they no need treatment anymore. But it's important to stick with the treatment plan. For kids, that means attending regularly to appointments and follow-up visits. Adults may benefit from support services such as medication management as well as cognitive behavior therapy or coaching.