How to Get Tested For ADHD
The first step to be tested for ADHD is scheduling an evaluation. This could involve an interview with your evaluator as well as a review of childhood experiences. It may also include an examination of the symptoms.
The evaluator asks if your symptoms have affected your life at home, at school or socially. The evaluation will also determine if your symptoms have been present for up to six months or more.
Diagnosis
If your child is susceptible to losing things or having trouble getting through tasks at school, he could be suffering from symptoms of ADHD. If you suspect that your child may have these characteristics the first thing you should do is get a professional screening. This evaluation is done by a mental health professional or a health care professional. The evaluation will consist of a review of your child's medical and social background. Parents or caregivers may be asked to provide details about your child's behavior in various settings. This could include former teachers, religious leaders Scouts, coaches, and other family members.
The doctor will assess your child's symptoms to determine whether ADHD or another medical condition is the reason. Your child or adult must show a range of symptoms that have been present before the age of 12 years old. The professional will want to know if the symptoms affect your child's or adult's daily life and if they're due to depression or anxiety.
A child suffering from ADD will show more than six signs of inattention, but not hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is not as widespread as the combined type of ADHD and is often omitted since many parents mistakenly chalk it up to daydreaming. Adults suffering from ADD must show at least five symptoms of inattention before they can be diagnosed.
While there are a lot of questionnaires available on the Internet that claim to help you screen for ADHD but they should only be administered by a certified health care professional. They can explain your symptoms and provide suggestions on how to deal with them.
Finding the right professional to help you if are an adult with undiagnosed ADHD isn't easy. Ask your primary doctor for suggestions. You can also search for specialists on the Internet. Read reviews of the professionals you find to confirm they're the right match for you. Check if your insurance covers the evaluation. You might be able to receive a referral to a screening and treatment from a relative or a mental health professional.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause serious consequences. These include problems with relationships, financial difficulties addiction, substance abuse, and school troubles. If not treated, ADHD can make your life chaotic and out of control. It's important to seek out a healthcare specialist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist, or search on the internet. free adhd test for adults have an alphabetical list of specialists by specialization that can assist you in finding a qualified health care provider. You can also get recommendations from your family and friends and read online reviews and ask members of support groups where they have worked.
The healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history when screening adults for ADHD. They will assess how your symptoms impact your home, work and social interactions. They will ask you about your symptoms since childhood and they will also interview you and others who know you well. They may also conduct neuropsychological tests or learning disabilities tests, based on your situation.
If your evaluator determines that you are a predominantly inattentional type of ADHD they will label you with that diagnosis. The symptoms of this subtype are difficulty staying focused on tasks as well as a lack of details and being easily distracted. They can go undiagnosed, especially for children, since they can be misinterpreted as daydreaming.
The evaluator might also recommend that you undergo a physical or lab tests to rule out any other disorder like depression or eating disorders. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires and rating scales with the evaluation expert. They may also interview your spouse or partner when you're married or live together. This will allow them to see your ADHD symptoms in a different way and helps you know how they affect your relationship.
If you have a background of anxiety or depression and anxiety, those symptoms should be evaluated for their impact on your ADHD symptoms before making a diagnosis. If you do not manage your symptoms, it is likely that you suffer from a different mental illness, like bipolar disorder or depression.
Signs and symptoms
You may have the inattention type of ADHD if you have trouble at school or at work and often lose things, have a difficult time following directions, fidgeting or interrupt others, or tend to forget important tasks or make impulsive errors. For those with the hyperactive/impulsive type, their symptoms are even more prominent and include trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games, squirming or moving around while they're supposed to be sitting still, blurting out answers before questions are asked and getting bored easily.
Only a professional evaluation can determine whether ADHD is causing problems for you and help you choose the best treatment for your particular situation. Many adults don't learn they have ADHD until they get help for other problems such as financial or marital issues or anxiety and depression. An evaluation will look at your childhood, your current habits and lifestyle and also screening for ADHD symptoms.
Your evaluator could ask you questions about your family background as well as your home or work environment and any mental health issues, alcohol and drug use, and your relationships with your spouse, children, and other family members. Your evaluator can also speak to your teachers and former educators, religious and scout leaders and coaches to obtain more information about how you behave in different environments.
The symptoms are assessed in more than one setting and they must result in significant impairment before they can be classified as ADHD. The most commonly reported symptom is inattention. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six or a greater number of inattention-related symptoms that include missing deadlines, being easily distracted, having a difficult time finishing tasks, or forgetting or losing things. If your symptoms are the hyperactive/impulsive type, you must have five or more of the hyperactivity-related symptoms -- such as fidgeting, squirming, interrupting and having trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly -- to be diagnosed with ADD. If you exhibit both types of symptoms, your doctor will determine that you have a disorder that is a combination.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent ADD and ADHD is to identify the problem early and take steps to manage it before it becomes out of control. This can be done by visiting an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD or by asking your doctor for the referral to one. You can also contact the local support group for adults ADHD sufferers to learn about professionals who perform screenings in your area.
If you have a doctor lined up, the evaluation usually lasts between one and three hours. The doctor will talk to you or your child regarding development and health issues, as well as family history. You might be asked to evaluate your symptoms and fill out questionnaires. They may also want to talk to other people like coaches, teachers, or parents. They'll also want to verify that the symptoms don't stem from a sleep disorder, learning disability, or alcohol/drug abuse.
The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and offer additional testing as needed. They might request an MRI of your brain to determine whether there are any structural or chemical imbalances in your brain. They can also conduct a test to check whether you have thyroid, kidney or liver problems.
To be diagnosed with ADD, children up to age 12 must have at least six symptoms, and their behavior must be a significant obstacle with their daily activities. Adults 17 and over must have at least five symptoms. They must have the symptoms that started before they turned 12. Symptoms must occur in more than one setting, such as home and social or school settings. The symptoms should be present for a period of six months or more and can't be explained by other medical condition.
The most common sign of ADHD in adults is difficulty staying focused, but there are other signs that might be present. These include forgetfulness and difficulty working through tasks. They can also be easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts. Adults with ADD and ADHD might not do as well on academic tests as they might have hoped, given their age and intelligence levels, as well as their education.