How to Get Tested For ADHD
Many people with ADHD go through their entire lives without receiving a diagnosis. It may take a new sense of responsibility or a break in their relationships to push them over the edge and prompt them to seek help.
Doctors, specialists, and ADHD tests can feel overwhelming when you're trying to find a diagnosis. Here are some practical tips that can help.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
If you suspect that you or someone you know could have ADHD, start by talking to your doctor. Your primary care physician can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and refer you to a specialist. You can also seek recommendations from your friends or therapists with whom you've worked. It is important that the person you see has experience with ADHD assessment and treatment.
During the assessment the evaluator will speak with you about the symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They will ask about your daily routines at home, school, at work and in relationships. They'll also inquire about other health issues you suffer from and how they impact your daily life. The evaluator needs to know what medications you and your child are taking, including vitamins and supplements that are available over-the-counter.
Your doctor may also be interested in knowing about your childhood experiences. The symptoms must have begun in early childhood, or technically before the age of 12. You may be asked to bring old records or report cards from your childhood in order to get a better idea of what happened during that period.
In addition to taking an medical history and a medical evaluation, your evaluator may be required to conduct other tests also. These tests could include cognitive testing or screening for conditions that have symptoms with ADHD, such a mood disorder or thyroid issues. You'll also be required to undergo a physical examination and wear comfortable clothes and take off any jewelry. Depending on adhd free test may also need to interview family members, teachers and colleagues.
2. Take a physical exam
To test for ADHD You'll need to be evaluated by a certified medical professional. Your family physician can help you locate a specialist in your area who is qualified to perform an assessment for adults with ADHD. You can also get suggestions from your friends and family, or look up specialists on a list supplied to you by your insurance provider or online through BetterHelp.
The person who evaluates your child or you will begin by reviewing your family health history. They'll ask you questions about your current lifestyle and behavior as well as your personal and professional relationships. They'll also want to know about your experiences from childhood (to receive an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must have begun in childhood, but before the age of 12). Bring old school reports or records to your appointment.
The specialist may recommend certain physical tests, such as a hearing test, bloodwork or a dental examination, in addition to discussing your symptoms and examining your child. They might also suggest an exam for neuropsychological or psychological disorders to determine how ADHD impacts your life and to rule out other issues, such as learning disabilities or depression.
You can also take an online test to determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests aren't a substitute for an official diagnosis but they can be an excellent starting point. Make sure you choose tests that have been created by a trusted source, such as psychiatrists or therapists. Make sure you verify the credentials of individuals who administer the test.
3. Talk to the teachers of your child.
Teachers are often the first to spot ADHD symptoms in children. They are in contact with children for a lot of time during the year and understand the typical behavior of students in classroom situations that require focus. They also observe how kids interact with one another and are able to tell if a student has trouble staying focused or focusing on others.
If your child's teacher suspects your child may have ADHD, they may refer them to a health care professional who can do a full examination of the symptoms. They may have a person on staff who specializes in ADHD or can provide an array of specialists. Look for a mental healthcare professional who has experience working with adolescents and children, or someone who has had additional training in the field of psychiatry.
When you meet with the professional, make sure to bring a report card or other records from your child's school years. You might also want to provide details about their extracurricular activities, like religious groups, scouts, or sports teams. The person conducting the evaluation of your child will require information about your child's previous experiences with ADHD and other medical conditions, so they can make an informed diagnosis.
In most cases your doctor will suggest therapy for your child. It may include medications, but that is not always the situation. Most of the time, the best therapy is to teach your child to modify their behavior by changing the way they conduct themselves at home and at school. Disconnecting the TV or making sure that their workspace is free of clutter will help them focus on their work and avoid distractions. They might also benefit from getting more exercise, limiting their intake of sugar and caffeine and using techniques to calm themselves when they are feeling anxious.
4. Speak to your employer
ADHD can have a significant impact on the daily life of a working adult. It's not a problem for many jobs. People who suffer from the disorder might be capable of finding a way to succeed, even if it means taking more frequent breaks or contacting their supervisors via email instead of in person.
However, it's not always that simple. Adults may have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of this condition. They usually don't show up until an adult struggles to keep an employment or relationship. The signs may be more apparent and it becomes apparent that they need assistance.
An online ADHD test may be useful to determine whether a person is suffering from the condition, however only a doctor is able to accurately identify a mental health issue such as ADHD. An online tool for screening is meant to be used as a reference only, and not to replace professional evaluation.
A typical ADHD assessment for adults or children lasts between one and three hours. During this time, the healthcare professional will interview the patient to find out more about their health, lifestyle, and family history. They may inquire about the person's everyday activities. For instance, they might inquire about how often the person pauses working before they've completed it or is easily distracted by things around them.
Before you get tested for ADHD, it's important to discuss the matter with your employer. If you tell your employer about the condition, he or she may adjust the method they work. Some employees with the disorder would like to talk about their condition at work in order to obtain accommodations, such as a flexible schedule or an individual assistant to help manage their obligations.
5. Talk to Your Family
A health care professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD will be able to determine if you meet the requirements. This might be a regular doctor who has dealt with adult ADHD or it could be a psychiatrist psychotherapist, psychologist or neurologist with expertise in the condition.
They'll want you to tell them about your symptoms along with their duration and where they occur the most often (at work or at school). They may also interview other people, including teachers and daycare providers and family members. The process can last up to three hours.
Talk to your family if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. Explain your experiences and ask them to support you in getting tested. You may also request a referral from your primary care physician or another doctor. You can locate mental health professionals that specialize in ADHD by contacting your insurance company or going to the website of a mental health group like BetterHelp.
You can also consider participating in a clinical study. These studies aim to discover new ways to diagnose, treat or prevent illnesses and conditions. The Clinical Trials page of the NIMH can help you locate research studies that are suitable for you. However, you should always talk to a health care expert prior to registering for a clinical trial. They'll be able to inform you about the benefits and risks of clinical trials, and will be capable of answering any questions you may have.