How to Get Tested For ADHD
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without being diagnosed. It could take a shift in level of responsibility or a breakdown in their relationships to tip the scales and cause them to seek assistance.
Specialists, doctors and ADHD tests can feel overwhelming when you're trying to find the diagnosis. Here are some practical suggestions that may help.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
Speak to your doctor if you think that you or someone else you know has ADHD. Your primary care doctor can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and refer you to an expert. You can also ask for recommendations from trusted friends or therapists you have worked with. It is important that the person you consult has experience with ADHD assessment and treatment.
During the examination the evaluator will speak with you about the symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They'll ask you questions about your habits and how you spend your time at home, work and school, and any relationships you have. They will also ask you about any health problems and how they impact your life. The evaluator should know about any medications that you or your child are taking, including over-the-counter vitamins and supplements.
Your doctor will want to know about your childhood experiences, too. To be diagnosed with ADHD the behavior that is symptomatic must have been present since the beginning of childhood (technically before the age of 12). The person evaluating you may require you to bring in old reports or other documents from your childhood so that they can have a better understanding of what was happening during the time.
In addition to taking a medical history, your evaluator will probably need to do other tests also. These tests may include cognitive testing or screening for conditions that share symptoms with ADHD, such a mood disorder or thyroid issues. Additionally, you'll be asked to undergo a physical examination, so wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry. Based on the circumstances, they may also need to speak with family members, colleagues, or even teachers.
2. Have a physical examination
You'll need to consult an expert medical professional to get tested for ADHD. Your family doctor can help you locate someone nearby who is able to assess adult ADHD. You can also get recommendations from family and friends or look up specialists on a list supplied to you by your insurance company or online via BetterHelp.
The person who evaluates your child or you start by reviewing your family history and health issues. They'll ask you questions about your current lifestyle and behavior as well as your work and personal relationships. They'll also want to learn about your childhood experiences (for an ADHD diagnosis symptoms must have been present since the early years of childhood, but before the age of 12). If you have old report cards or other records from school, they may be helpful to bring them along to your appointment.
The specialist will likely recommend certain physical tests, like bloodwork, hearing tests or a dental exam in addition to discussing your symptoms and examining your child. They might also suggest a psychological or neuropsychological exam to better to understand how ADHD affects your life as well as to rule out other issues such as learning disabilities or depression.
You can also take an online assessment test to determine whether you may have ADHD. These tests aren't an alternative to an official diagnosis, but they could be an excellent place to begin. Make sure you choose tests that have been created by a trusted source, such as psychiatrists or therapists. You should also check out the professional credentials and academic degrees of the people who administer the test.
3. Speak with your child's teacher
Teachers are often the ones who first recognize ADHD symptoms in children. Teachers spend a lot of their time with children and are aware of how they behave in situations that require focus. They also observe how students interact with one another and can tell whether a student is having trouble paying attention or listening to other students.
If your child's teachers suspect that your child may have ADHD, then they may refer them to a physician who can evaluate their symptoms. They may have a specialist on staff who is an ADHD specialist, or they could provide a list. Find an expert in mental health who is specialized in working with kids and adolescents or a pediatrician that has additional training in psychotherapy.
You'll have to bring your child's report cards or other school records when you meet the professional. You might also want to record details of their extracurricular activities, such as religious groups, scouts and sports teams. The professional doing your child's evaluation will need to know about your child's previous experiences with ADHD and other medical conditions so that they can make an informed diagnosis.
In the majority of instances the doctor will recommend therapy to your child. It could involve medications, but that isn't always the situation. Most of the time, the best therapy is to teach your child to change their behavior by changing how they behave at home and in school. For example, turning off the TV and making sure their workspace is clear will help them focus on homework and avoid distractions. Our Home Page may also benefit from exercising more, limiting sugar and caffeine intake and using calming methods when they feel anxious.
4. Talk to Your Employer
ADHD can have a major impact on the life of an adult at work. However, it's not a problem for a lot of jobs. People with the disorder may be capable of finding a way to succeed even if it requires frequent breaks or communicating with their supervisors via email instead of in person.
But it's not always that easy. Adults may have difficulty recognizing the signs of this condition. Most of the time, they don't show up until an adult is struggling to meet the demands of a job or a relationship. The signs may be more obvious and it becomes apparent that they require assistance.
An online ADHD test can be helpful to provide an indication of whether a person may suffer from the disorder, but only a medical practitioner can accurately diagnose a mental health disorder such as ADHD. Online screening tools should be used as a guideline and not substitute for professional evaluation.
A typical ADHD assessment for adults or children can last up to three hours. During this time the provider will interview the patient to learn about their lifestyle, health, and family background. They may ask questions about the person's daily activities. For instance, they might inquire about how often the person stops an activity before it's completed or is easily distracted by things around them.
Before you are tested for ADHD It is important to discuss the matter with your employer. If you tell your employer about the disorder they may alter the method they work. Some employees with the condition would like to share their diagnosis at work in order to be granted accommodations like the ability to work from home or an assistant to help them handle their obligations.
5. Talk to Your Family
A health care professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can determine whether or not you meet the criteria. It could be an adult ADHD specialist, a doctor who has expertise in the field or a psychiatrist neurologist, psychologist, or psychotherapist.
They'll want you to tell them about your symptoms as well as the duration of them, and where they occur the most often (at work or school). They may also ask questions about your family members, as well as other people such as teachers or daycare providers. The process can last up to three hours.
Discuss with your family members in case you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. Discuss your experiences and ask them to support you in getting tested. You might also want to ask for a referral from your primary care physician or other doctors. You can locate mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD by calling your insurance company or visiting a mental healthcare association website like BetterHelp.
You can also consider participating in a clinical trial. These studies seek to discover innovative ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases. The NIMH's Clinical Trials page can help you find studies that are suitable for you. However, you should always consult with a medical professional prior to joining any clinical trial. They can answer any questions you have and tell you about the potential risks and benefits of clinical trials.