How Can I Get Tested For ADHD?
An ADHD evaluation is recommended for anyone who you care about is experiencing difficulties at school, home or work that cannot be explained by any other issue. The process usually takes several hours and requires continuous observation in a variety of environments, including at home as well as school.
The doctors review family and medical information and school records. They also interview the patient suffering from symptoms, as well as their life partner or close friends.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis or screening for ADHD is the first step to finding a treatment plan that will assist you in managing your symptoms and continue with your life. The best treatment will enable you do your job efficiently and remain 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 the impact they have on your daily activities or the child's. You might be asked questions regarding the behavior of your child and your own, or fill out questionnaires and rating scales. You will also need to provide a complete medical and mental history as well as a family history. You'll also have to be prepared to supply the school and activity records of your child or yourself. The healthcare professional might want to talk to others who know you or your child, like teachers, coaches or parents. They may also interview others about their observations of your or your child's behavior.
A person qualified in ADHD diagnosis will go over the data to determine whether your child or you is struggling with hyperactivity, impulsivity or attention. They will also determine which type of ADHD you or your child has--inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined. The person who examines your child or you will consider the number of symptoms, how often they happen and if they result in impairment at home, school or at work. They will also look for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or other mental illnesses, thyroid issues or physical issues, such as hearing loss or vision issues.
If a healthcare professional concludes that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will make the diagnosis in accordance with American Psychiatric Association guidelines. The evaluator could recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if you have an underlying condition that might contribute to your child's difficulties, such as anxiety or depression or an intellectual impairment. These tests aren't usually required to diagnose ADHD however, they could be suggested if the symptoms are extreme.
Treatment
Achieving an ADHD screening and diagnosis is the first step towards controlling the symptoms that could be adversely impacting your life particularly at work or at school. The evaluation process is not always straightforward. Honesty is essential. Remember, your doctor will help you figure out the best way to manage your symptoms and live the most fulfilling life possible.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit more than six symptoms and these symptoms must hinder your ability to function in multiple settings (home school, work, home). You must have experienced these symptoms prior to age 12. You must have experienced these symptoms since before age 12.
Your doctor will also conduct other tests, including a physical examination, to rule out any medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. A psychologist or neuropsychologist may be part of the evaluation process to evaluate the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect you. Testing can be conducted by a neuropsychologist or a psychologist to assess your memory, motor skills and learning abilities.
The final stage of an ADHD screening is an in-depth analysis of all the information collected. A health care professional might interview you and your parents, as well as other caregivers, teachers as well as scout and religious leaders, as well as former employers. He or she may also ask a friend or colleague who knows you very well to assist. They could also be provided with questionnaires from your health care professional to gather more details. Then, the health care professional will determine whether you have ADHD and what treatment might be right for you. Treatment options may include medication, therapy and/or lifestyle changes. The most commonly used drugs to treat ADHD are stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications can result in side effects such as sleep loss, trouble sleeping at night, and an increase in heart rate.
Signs and symptoms
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can also be signs of other disorders like anxiety and depression. They could also be triggered by certain illnesses, medications and lifestyle factors. A thorough examination is needed to determine if a person has ADHD. This is typically done by a healthcare professional who will interview the person and their family members, complete tests and questionnaires, and get information from those who are familiar with them. This includes current and former teachers, coaches and religious leaders and other caregivers. It is important to speak the truth and not cover up any information even if it's embarrassing.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Inattention is a disorder in which people aren't able to listen to what others are talking about. They can also lose track of important tasks and misplace items. People who have hyperactivity/impulsivity are restless, fidgety or can't sit still for long periods of time. They might try to do several things at the same time, or interrupt other people in conversations and games. They make rash decisions often without thinking about the consequences or how others may feel.
Adults suffering from ADHD often struggle to manage their home and work lives, keep appointments and follow instructions at work or school. They may make frequent mistakes in simple tasks, fail to turn in their work in time or do not take advantage of opportunities because they don't plan ahead. They might also have issues maintaining relationships with family members and friends or staying in contact.
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 a problem at school, work or in social situations. They must have first started before age 12, and they can't be explained by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
If you have these symptoms, don't assume they are normal or that you can treat them on your own. Instead, visit a mental health professional for a psychiatric evaluation. This will include a thorough description of your symptoms, as well as a review of past medical and mental history. The assessment will include questionnaires as well as an examination of your body to rule out other ailments which could be the cause of your symptoms.
Support
Adults who suspect they may have ADHD are able to find a range of online self-tests or rating scales. But they're not as effective as an actual assessment by an experienced doctor.
An ADHD assessment typically lasts between one to three hours. The clinician will ask questions about the person's health lifestyle, habits and family background. They will also consider the symptoms the patient is experiencing and whether they affect their school, work or personal life. They might ask the person's parents or spouse to talk to them, and may request old report cards, medical insurance information or performance evaluations from work.
To help family members know what their loved ones goes through, it can be beneficial to find out more about ADHD. This will enable them to assist the person and help them meet their responsibilities. They can also avoid making comments that are negative or demeaning. Being adhd test free that ADHD isn't the result of too much screen-time or poor parenting, for example it can help you be more understanding when the person is unable to remember their keys or loses a meeting.
A doctor will diagnose a patient based on all information, which includes physical exam. They'll also look for any other causes of the issue, such as hearing and vision issues. They will also compare the person to other people their age, and use scales of ratings that are standard.
Adults must meet an upper threshold for symptoms (5 out of 9 during the last six months) to be diagnosed with ADHD, but still have to have enough symptoms to cause significant impairments in their lives. They also need to have these symptoms since childhood (technically prior to age 12).
It's tempting for those diagnosed with ADHD to believe they no require treatment. It's important that you stick to the treatment plan. For children, this means attending regular appointments and keeping in touch with the doctor. For adults, it's being honest with friends and colleagues about their ADHD and making use of assistance services such as medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, or coaching.