Getting Tested For ADHD
Finding a professional who is competent to evaluate your child or you as an adult is the first step. Ask your family physician, therapist or psychology for suggestions.
The evaluator is interested in knowing about your personal history. You'll be asked about school performance and your medical history. They'll also want to know when you started experiencing symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Tests for ADHD are the first step towards reducing symptoms that affect your daily life. The condition can cause many issues, from forgetting work tasks to not remembering appointments. Relationships, finances and family are also affected by the symptoms. If you're having trouble keeping up at work, having financial difficulties due to the impulse to buy, or if you're having difficulties managing your emotions and relationships with your children or family members, an ADHD diagnosis can aid.
You or your child will be interviewed first by a health professional. They will ask questions about you or your child's development and history of illnesses and family life. They will also ask if you or your child have any other concerns including depression or anxiety. They might want to discuss the issue with other people who are involved in your your child's life, like teachers, coaches or daycare providers.
Your child's behavior or that of your child will be assessed by the health care professional using rating scales or questionnaires. They might also inquire about the past achievements and performance of your child, or yourself in school. Some experts will also ask to see your medical records, which could include x-rays or blood tests, to rule out medical issues that could be causing symptoms.
For your child or yourself to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant impairments in two different settings like at school and work. The symptomatic behaviors must have started before age 12, and they are not recurring over time. Your child's impulsive behavior should not be the result of other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Adults must be able to meet a higher threshold for an ADHD diagnosis. This means that they must show five of nine symptoms within six months. The symptoms must be severe in two distinct environments and continue to recur over the course of. This is the same for adults who are being assessed for bipolar disorders.
A person with ADHD is often diagnosed by a psychiatric or psychologist. However, some people are evaluated by their primary physician or pediatrician. There are professionals who specialize in ADHD treatment and evaluation online or obtain referrals from other healthcare providers. Examine the credentials of the doctor and academic qualifications. Also, ensure that they accept your health insurance.
Diagnosis
A medical professional will conduct a thorough evaluation following a thorough review of the symptoms you or your child is experiencing. This could include a physical exam or an interview with you or your child and a review of work or school documents.
Mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, as well as primary care providers, including pediatricians and physicians can all diagnose ADHD. Ask your trusted family members or friends for recommendations if you're unsure who to consult. You can also search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD in your area.
During the examination the healthcare specialist will take into consideration factors such as your or your child's development as well as personal and family background, as well as the current life. They may also ask about how symptoms have affected your life or the life of your child. They will probably want to interview teachers or school officials, too, especially if you are concerned about your child's academic performance. Old reports can be helpful in revealing patterns that could indicate ADHD.
A physical exam can determine if a medical condition is present like thyroid issues or seizure disorders that could cause or coexist with ADHD. The evaluator may ask you or your child to provide an extensive list of symptoms that have been present for a certain period of time. They will ask questions specific to the age of the person in order to get an accurate picture of the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives.
The evaluator may use questionnaires or rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms and determine the severity of the symptoms. Your child or you may also be offered tests for neuropsychology or a test for learning disabilities. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can reveal how your symptoms affect learning and performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing or upsetting, but it also helps you feel more confident. A diagnosis can also explain the reasons you struggle with life skills like paying attention, listening with care, following directions and organizing yourself. These are things that most people find easy. It can also lead to accommodations at school or at work, which can make a big difference in the way you tackle your day-to-day tasks.
Treatment
Talk with your child's primary care provider if you suspect that he or she may have ADHD. They can assess your child's symptoms and recommend them to a specialist when needed. It's important to speak with your child's teachers. Teachers can often provide valuable feedback on your child's school performance.
Your health care provider should be able see how the symptoms affect your child or adult at home and in various settings, like work or school. They should be able to determine if the symptoms interfere with daily life in various settings and whether the symptoms are due to another mental illness or physical condition. You or your child might be asked about the background of ADHD in your family, mood disorders, and other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
Your evaluator could also ask you to complete psychological tests or a behavior rating scale to determine the presence of ADHD symptoms. You might be required to undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders, which can sometimes be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
It is important to remember that the current diagnostic guidelines state that a person can only be diagnosed with ADHD when they have displayed symptoms when they were a child. The examiner may request to review your school documents from your childhood and your parents or former teachers might describe your symptoms.
When deciding which expert to select for an evaluation make sure you do your research. Find out what professional accreditations and qualifications the specialists hold. Make sure that the specialist is insured and you are comfortable working with them. Ask other doctors who have worked with the specialist you're considering and ask for recommendations and testimonials. Some specialists provide online evaluations which are an option for adults who are unable to make an appointment with their primary care doctor or psychiatrist.
Support
Many people are unable to make an assessment of ADHD overwhelming. You'll likely have meetings with numerous professionals and will receive tests and questionnaires. ADHD test free to do your homework on the professional you choose. Ask friends, family, and therapists for recommendations and look online for professional qualifications and academic degrees. Find out what the doctor charges and if your insurance policy covers the examination. Some specialists have websites with testimonials from former patients and clients. It is important to choose the right professional who is comfortable and can answer your questions.
Your mental health professional will be looking to discuss your childhood memories as well as your current situation. The diagnostician might employ rating scales or interview questions with you and your parent. You might be asked to bring in old reports, performance evaluations and other records that may assist with the screening. Certain tests designed for specific purposes could be administered, for instance tests that measure your intelligence or learning disability.
If you have other conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder, they might affect the results of the test for ADHD. Your evaluator also needs to know if any of your family members have ADHD. Having close family members with ADHD increases the chance that you'll have the condition.
A successful screening will provide a reliable diagnosis and treatment that could enhance your life. A properly diagnosed adult with ADHD may be eligible for accommodations at work and in school. Accommodations may include a more peaceful workplace, additional time to finish tasks, and more.
Speak with your physician or life coach about ADHD today. If they are needed, they can refer you to an ADHD specialist. You can also locate an expert by asking your friend to refer you, joining a support group or searching the directory of your insurance company. BetterHelp is a service that matches ADHD sufferers with licensed therapists. Begin a session in as little as 48 hours.