Getting Tested For ADHD
The first step in getting checked for ADHD is finding a qualified professional who can assess your child or adult. Consult your family doctor, therapist or psychologist for suggestions.
The evaluator will be looking for information about your life background. You'll be asked about your school performance and medical background. They'll want to know the exact date that your symptoms began.
Symptoms
Testing for ADHD is the first step to managing symptoms that hinder daily life. The condition causes a myriad of issues that range from forgetting appointments to not completing work projects. Family relationships, finances and relationships are also affected by the symptoms. If you're struggling to stay on top of work, in financial trouble because of impulsive spending or are having trouble managing your emotions and relationships with your children, an ADHD diagnosis can help you find relief from these issues.
Your health care provider will begin by interviewing you or your child. They will ask about your child's or your development as well as family history and illnesses. They will also ask whether your child have any other concerns like anxiety or depressive disorders. They might also want to speak to other people in your child's or your life like coaches, teachers or daycare professionals.
The health professional will probably utilize rating scales or questionnaires to assess your or your child's behavior. They might also ask about your your child's schooling and accomplishments. Some experts will also ask to look over your medical records, such as blood tests or xrays in order to rule out any medical issues that could be causing symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your or your child's symptoms must be serious enough to cause significant impairment in two different settings such as work or school. The symptoms must have first manifested before 12 years of age and must be repeated over time. The behavior that is impulsive for you or your child should not be a result of other conditions like depression or anxiety.
Adults must meet a higher threshold to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. This means that they must show five of nine symptoms within six months. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings and continue to recur over time. This criteria is similar to the criteria for adults being evaluated for bipolar disorder.
A person who has ADHD is usually diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist However, some are screened for it by primary care physicians or pediatricians. There are specialists who specialize in ADHD treatment and evaluation online or get referrals from other healthcare providers. Make sure you verify the credentials of the specialist and academic qualifications, and make sure they accept your insurance.
Diagnosis
To help a medical professional diagnose ADHD, they will review the symptoms you or your child is experiencing and follow up with a thorough evaluation. This may include a physical examination or an interview with your child or yourself and a review of school or work documents.
private testing for adhd providers including pediatricians, physicians and mental health professionals can diagnose ADHD. If you're not sure of the right person to consult get recommendations from trusted friends or family members. You can also look online for local professionals who specialize in ADHD.
During the examination, the healthcare professional will look at factors such as the development of your child or you, your family and personal history, as well as your current life style. They may also discuss the ways in which symptoms have affected you or your child's life. They may need to talk to teachers or school officials too particularly if you are worried about your child's academic performance. Report cards 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 mimic or coexist ADHD. The examiner will typically request a thorough list of your or your child's symptoms and the length of time they have occurred. They will ask questions specific to the age of the person in order to obtain an accurate understanding of the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives.
The examiner could use questionnaires or rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms and determine their severity. They might also administer your child or you a neuropsychological or learning disability test. These tests are not able to determine ADHD but they can help you understand how your symptoms affect learning and performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing or upsetting however, it can also help you feel more confident. A diagnosis can also help you understand the reasons you struggle with life skills like paying attention, listening attentively and following directions, as well as organizing your life. These are things that most people find simple. It could also lead you to be granted accommodations at work or school and could have a major impact on your ability to manage daily tasks.
Treatment
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD begin by speaking with their primary care provider. They can assess your child's symptoms and recommend them to a specialist in the event of need. It's also a good idea to speak with your child's teachers. Teachers are usually able to give you valuable feedback on your child's school performance.
Your health care provider must be able see how the symptoms affect your child or adult at home as well as in different settings, like work or school. They need to be able recognize when the symptoms can get in the way of life in multiple settings and ensure that the symptoms aren't triggered by other mental health disorders or physical condition. Your child or you may be asked questions about your family's history with ADHD mood disorders, mood disorders and other illnesses or conditions that can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD like depression or anxiety.
You might be asked to complete the behavioral rating scale or psychological tests to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may also be asked to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical issues such as thyroid issues or seizure disorder, which can often resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that a person can't be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult unless they show symptoms in childhood. The person evaluating you will want to examine any school records that you have from your childhood. They might ask your parents or former teachers to explain your symptoms.
Do your research prior to choosing the right expert for your evaluation. Find out if the specialist has any professional accreditations or academic degrees. Make sure that the specialist is able to accept your insurance policy and that you feel at ease with them. Ask for recommendations and reviews from other specialists who have worked with the doctor you're considering. Some specialists offer online evaluations which are a convenient option for adults who have difficulty obtaining an appointment with their primary care doctor or psychiatrist.
Support
Many people find that seeking an assessment for ADHD is overwhelming. You'll likely have meetings with a variety of professionals and take tests and questionnaires. Do your homework on the doctor you select. Ask your family and friends and therapists to recommend an expert. You can also search online for academic degrees and professional qualifications. Find out the cost of the professional and if the exam is covered by your insurance. Some specialists have websites with testimonials from past patients and clients. Selecting a specialist who makes you feel at ease and will be able to answer your questions is crucial for the success of the screening process.
Your mental health professional will be looking to discuss your childhood memories and your current life. The doctor may employ rating scales or interview questions with you and your parents. You may be asked to bring in old report cards, performance evaluations and other records that could help with the screening. Certain tests that are specialized such as those that measure your intellectual ability or your learning disability, could be utilized.
If you have any other health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression, they might affect the outcomes of the screening for ADHD. Your evaluator will also need to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD. Having close family members with ADHD increases the likelihood that you will have the disorder.
A successful screening for ADHD can lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment that will improve your quality of life. Adults suffering from ADHD who have been diagnosed may request accommodations at the school or at work. Accommodations include a quieter work environment, more time to complete tasks, and more.
Talk with your physician or life coach about ADHD today. They may refer you to a specialist if needed. You can also locate specialists by getting a recommendation from a friend, a support group, or looking through the insurance provider's directory for professionals who are qualified. BetterHelp is an online service that matches you with licensed therapists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can start the session within 48 hours.