How to Get Tested For ADHD
Many people suffering from ADHD go through their entire lives without being diagnosed. It may take a new sense of responsibility or rupture in their relationships to push them over the edge and prompt them to seek help.
If you're looking for a diagnosis, the number of doctors, specialists and ADHD test can be overwhelming. Here are some simple steps that can assist.
1. Speak to Your Doctor
If you think that you or someone you know might be suffering from ADHD, start by talking to your doctor. Your primary health care provider can assist you in understanding your symptoms and suggest an expert. You may also seek recommendations from your trusted friends or therapists you have worked with. It is crucial that the person who treats you has experience in ADHD evaluation and treatment.
During the evaluation you'll be asked about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily routine. They will inquire about your routines at home, school, work and in your relationships. They will also ask you about any health issues you may have and how they affect your life. The evaluator must be aware of any medications you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter supplements and vitamins.
Your doctor may also want to know about your childhood experiences. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptomatic behavior must have begun in the beginning of childhood (technically prior to age 12). You may be asked to bring back old reports or records from your childhood in order to get a better idea of what happened during that time.
Your evaluator may also need to perform other tests in addition to taking a medical history. These tests could include cognitive tests or screening for conditions that have symptoms with ADHD, such a thyroid disorder or mood disorders. They'll probably also order a physical exam and you should wear comfortable clothing and take off any jewelry that you might have. Based on the circumstances, they may also need to interview family members, coworkers, or teachers.
2. Get a Physical Exam
You'll need to visit a medical professional in order to get tested for ADHD. Your family doctor can help you find someone in your area who is qualified to perform an evaluation for adult ADHD. You can also get recommendations from family and friends or look for specialists on the list provided to you by your insurance company or online through BetterHelp.
The person who evaluates your child or you will start by reviewing your family's health history. They will ask you questions about your current life including your behavior, work and personal relationships. They'll also want to hear about your experiences from childhood (to receive an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must have started in childhood, but prior to the age of 12). Bring old school documents or report cards to your appointment.
The doctor will likely suggest certain physical tests, such as a hearing test, bloodwork or a dental exam in addition to discussing your symptoms and examining your child. They might also suggest a neuropsychological or psychological exam to discover how ADHD affects your life and determine if there are other conditions such as learning or depression.
You can also take an online test to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. These tests aren't a substitute for the diagnosis of a doctor, but they are an excellent place to start. Choose a test designed by a reliable source, such as a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. It is also important to check the professional certifications and academic degrees of those who provide the test.
3. Speak with your child's teacher
Teachers are often the first to recognize ADHD symptoms in children. Teachers spend a lot of their time with children and are familiar with how they behave in situations that require concentration. They also observe how kids interact with each other and can determine if a student has trouble keeping their attention focused or focusing on others.
If the teachers of your child suspect that your child may have ADHD, then they may refer him or her to a doctor who can evaluate the symptoms. They may have someone on staff who specializes in ADHD or can provide an alphabetical list of specialists. Look for a mental healthcare specialist who has worked with adolescents and children or someone who has had additional training in psychiatry.
When you meet with the professional, make sure to bring reports or other documents from your child's school years. You may also want to include details about extracurricular activities like religious groups Scouts, scouts, or sports teams. Your child's ADHD history and any other medical issues will be required by the doctor who is evaluating your child in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
In most instances, a physician will recommend treatment for your child. This may include medications, but it's not always. Most of the time, the best therapy is simply teaching your child to change their behavior by changing the way they do things at home and in school. Disconnecting the TV or ensuring that their workspace is free of clutter will help them concentrate on their homework and avoid distractions. They could also benefit from getting more exercise and limiting their intake caffeine and sugar and utilizing techniques to calm themselves when they are feeling anxious.
4. Talk to Your Employer
ADHD can have a huge impact on the life of a working adult. It's not a major issue for many jobs. Individuals with this disorder may be in a position to succeed even if it requires frequent breaks or communicating with their supervisors via email instead of in person.
But it's never that simple. Adults may have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of this condition. Often, they don't show up until an adult is struggling to meet the demands of a job or a relationship. The symptoms will be more obvious and they'll need to seek help.
An online ADHD test can be helpful to determine whether someone may have the disorder, but only a physician can diagnose a mental health disorder like ADHD. Online screening tools should be used as a guideline and not substitute for professional evaluation.
A typical ADHD assessment for adults or children lasts between one and three hours. During this time, the provider interview the patient about their development and health family, lifestyle, and background. They might also inquire about the person's daily activities. They may ask how often a person is distracted by the things around them or stop working early.
It's essential to talk to your employer about the possibility of having you tested for ADHD before you do so. This is because if you inform your boss about the disorder they may consider adjusting the way they work with you. Some people with the disorder are hesitant to reveal their diagnosis at work in order to get accommodations like flexible schedules or an assistant to help them handle their responsibilities.
5. Talk to Your Family
A medical specialist who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD can determine whether or not you meet the criteria. It could be a regular doctor who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD or it could be a psychiatrist psychologist, psychotherapist or neurologist with experience with 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 school). They might also interview your family members and other people, like teachers or daycare providers. The evaluation can take up to three hours.
If you think you have ADHD, the first step is to speak with your family members. Discuss your experiences and ask them to support you in having a test. You may also ask for a referral from a primary care provider or a different doctor. You can locate mental health professionals that specialize in ADHD by calling your insurance company or by visiting the website of a mental health group like BetterHelp.
private adhd testing might also take part in an investigational study. These studies are designed to find new ways to diagnose, treat or prevent diseases and conditions. The NIMH's Clinical Trials page can help you locate studies that are suitable for you. But, it is important to talk to a health care professional before joining an investigational trial. They can provide more information about the advantages and dangers of clinical trials, and they'll be able to answer any questions you may have.