How Can I Get Tested For ADHD?
If you or someone you know has challenges at home, school and work that can't be explained by other causes, an ADHD evaluation could be necessary. The process can take a few hours and includes direct observation of the child in various settings, like at home and in school.
They also review the medical and family histories and school records. They also interview the patient who is suffering from symptoms, as well their partner or close family members.
Diagnosis
Finding an ADHD diagnosis or screening is the first step towards finding the right treatment to assist you in managing your symptoms and move on with your life. The best treatment will enable you do your job efficiently and remain organized. It can also help you manage stress.
The screening or evaluation process will vary in each case, but you should expect an extensive discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your daily functioning or that of your child. You might be asked questions regarding your child's behavior as well as your own, or fill out questionnaires and rating scales. You will also need to provide an entire medical background, mental and family history. You'll also have to be prepared to supply the school and activity records of your child or yourself. The healthcare professional may wish to talk with other people who know you or your child, like coaches, teachers, or parents, and may also interview others about their observations of your or your child's behavior.
A professional with expertise in ADHD diagnosis will review this information to determine if 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 will consider how many symptoms they exhibit, how often they happen and if they cause difficulties at school, at home, or work. They will also rule other conditions out that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid issues, depression or other mental illnesses or physical problems such as hearing or vision problems.
If a healthcare professional concludes that you or your child is suffering from ADHD they will identify it in accordance with American Psychiatric Association Guidelines. The evaluator may recommend additional psychological and learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing to determine if you or your child suffer from an underlying disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or intellectual impairment. These tests aren't typically required to diagnose ADHD however they may be recommended if symptoms appear serious.
Treatment
Getting an ADHD screening and diagnosis is the first step in gaining control of symptoms that may be negatively impacting your life, especially at school or work. The process of evaluating yourself isn't always straightforward. Honesty is key. But remember that your healthcare provider is there to assist you in finding a way to manage your symptoms and live the best life possible.
You must show at least six symptoms, and they must hinder your ability to function in a variety of settings (home school, home, or work). You must have experienced these symptoms before the age of 12. You must have experienced these symptoms since before age 12.
Your doctor may also conduct other tests, including a physical examination, to rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. In addition psychologists or a neuropsychologist might be involved in the test to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect you. Testing can be done by a neuropsychologist or psychologist to assess your memory, motor skills and learning abilities.
The final part of an ADHD screening is a careful analysis of all the data gathered. A health professional may interview you as well as your parents or other caregivers teachers, religious and scout leaders, and former employers. He or she might also seek the assistance of a close acquaintance or a coworker who is familiar with you. They could also be provided with questionnaires from the health care professional to gather more details. The health care professional will then determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and what treatment is most appropriate for you. Treatment options could include medication, therapy, and/or lifestyle changes. The most common drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants and non-stimulants. These drugs can cause side effects like sleep loss, trouble sleeping at night, or an increase in heart rate.
Suggested Site of the symptoms of ADHD could also be signs of other disorders such as depression and anxiety. They can also be caused by certain medications, illnesses and lifestyle factors. Therefore, an extensive evaluation is necessary to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD. This is typically done by a health care provider who will conduct an interview with the patient and their family members, complete tests and questionnaires, and get information from others who are familiar with them. This includes current and former teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. It's important to tell the truth and not hide any information, even if it seems embarrassing.
Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are the most common symptoms of ADHD. Inattention is a condition where people are not able to listen to what others are talking about. They might also forget important things or lose items. People who have hyperactivity/impulsivity are restless, fidgety or can't sit still for long periods of time. They may attempt to do multiple things at once, or interrupt other people during games or conversations. They often make decisions without taking into account the consequences or how other people might feel.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with keeping appointments, following directions and organizing their personal or work lives. They can make errors with simple tasks, or not submit their work in time. They may also miss opportunities if they don't plan. They might also have trouble 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 enough to cause problems with daily functioning and pose an issue at school, work or in social situations. The symptoms should have first appeared prior to the age of 12 and are not explained by other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Don't believe that these symptoms are not normal or that they can be treated by yourself. Instead, see a mental health professional for a psychiatric examination. This will include the description of your symptoms as well as an examination of your previous medical and mental health background. The evaluation will also include questionnaires and physical examinations to identify any other medical illnesses that could trigger them.
Support
There are a variety of self-tests and rating scales available online for adults who believe they might have ADHD. These tests are not an alternative to an evaluation by a doctor.
An ADHD assessment usually lasts 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 patient is experiencing and whether they impact school, work, or family life. They might also interview the spouse, parents or other close friends and may seek out records such as performance evaluations from work, medical insurance information or old report cards.
To help family members to understand what their loved one is going through, it might be helpful to learn more about ADHD. This will help them aid the person and assist them fulfill their responsibilities. They can also avoid making comments that are hurtful or stigmatizing. Knowing that ADHD isn't caused by excessive screen time or poor parenting, for example, can help you be more understanding if the person is unable to remember their keys or misses an appointment.
A doctor will make a diagnosis after they've assessed all the information available and performed a physical exam. They'll look for other possible causes of the person's problems, such as vision and hearing problems. They'll also evaluate the person's behavior to the behavior of others of the same age and use standardized 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, but still have to be able to show enough signs to cause significant impairments in their lives. They also must have experienced these symptoms since childhood (technically before the age of 12).
It's tempting for someone diagnosed with ADHD to believe they no need treatment anymore. It is crucial to adhere to the treatment program. For children, that means keeping up with regular appointments and follow-up visits. For adults, it means being open with friends and colleagues about their ADHD and taking advantage of assistance services such as medication management, cognitive behavior therapy, or coaching.