How to Get Tested For ADHD
If you find yourself struggling to stay focused or organized, it is time to get your ADHD assessed. Find out more about the evaluation process for ADHD.
A health professional uses a multistep evaluation to determine whether someone has symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This includes a medical exam and behavioral evaluations, as well as standardized tests.
1. Self-assessment
In a self-assessment, rate how well you're doing on a specific task or activity. You then create a plan or goal to improve your performance. Self-assessment can be found in a variety of situations, including at school and at work. The process can be flawed due to a variety of factors. For instance, individuals may overvalue themselves more than their peers, particularly when they're under pressure. This is especially true for medical students who tend to rate themselves more harshly.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association, a person is only classified as having ADHD if the symptoms have been present for a long time and interfered with their functioning in two aspects of their lives, such as at home and in school. The DSM-5-TR also outlines three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined.
DSM-5-TR states that people with ADHD who are predominantly inattention have trouble concentrating, staying organized, and following directions. Those with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD act "as if driven by a motor" and have little impulse control, per the DSM-5-TR. They can't sit still for long and often blurt out their answers when questions aren't finished or interrupt games, conversations and activities.
According to the DSM-5TR, doctors employ clinical interviews, behavioral ratings scales or ADHD symptom lists to determine whether a person meets the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess cognitive abilities, such as executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) or visual and spatial ability. They can also conduct neuropsychological tests, which test the function of the brain. While this isn't a direct way to assess ADHD, it can help identify conditions that resemble the symptoms of ADHD, such as learning disorders, mood disorders, head injuries, and thyroid problems. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or anxiety disorders and conduct disorders. Other physical ailments such as digestive disorders or sleep disorders might also be present.
2. Family history
Everyone has trouble staying organized and concentrating from time to time. However, if these issues are causing serious problems in work, school or at home (such as dropping grades, losing jobs or having bills due late) it's an excellent idea to talk with an expert in mental health about having an evaluation for ADHD.
In general the case, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of symptoms in two or more settings and lasting at minimum six months. The symptoms must have also began in childhood or at least prior to the age of 12 years old. The person's behavior also must be disruptive in the family, professional and social life.
People with ADHD typically have other medical conditions as well. adhd test for women or psychiatrist will conduct a thorough screening to look for other mental health disorders which could be causing ADHD symptoms. Physical examinations are a standard part of the evaluation, and the provider will be looking for any possible health conditions such as hearing and vision problems as well as thyroid disorders that could cause similar symptoms.
A health professional will look over the medical and family history, and may perform urine and blood tests. They will ask questions geared towards the person's age, and may also speak with other people such as parents, teachers, babysitters, or coaches to gather a complete picture. They employ questionnaires and rating scales to assess the symptoms of a person.
It's important to include family members in the process, as ADHD is a common problem in families. If a parent is aware of their child's ADHD they should let the school and other caretakers know and develop plans to address the issue. It's also a good idea to get family members to speak with their doctors to discuss ways to be supportive of one another. Adult patients should also talk about their struggles with controlling hyperactivity and attention. This will help doctors decide whether they're a good candidate for treatment. It's common for adults who had ADHD in their early years to continue to struggle.
3. Physical Examination
The physical exam usually involves the examination of vital signs like temperature and blood pressure. The doctor may also palpate (touch) certain parts of the body to check the body for any abnormalities. This might include the neck, head and abdomen, as well as knees, hands and feet. The doctor will also look at the patient's eyes, ears and nose for any indications of injury or disease.
A physical exam can help determine whether the symptoms of ADHD are due to another medical condition, such as thyroid disease or diabetes. The doctor will also review the health history of the patient and their family members. This is important because ADHD can run in families. The doctor will want to know whether the symptoms of ADHD started before age 12.
The following requirements must be met in order to diagnose ADHD The symptoms must manifest in at least two places like home, school or work. The symptoms of the person are severe and interfere with their daily activities. Symptoms have been present for at least six months and aren't triggered by another mental disorder, like depression or anxiety.
The doctor will talk to both the parent and child to determine whether ADHD is present. This is a crucial element of the evaluation as it gives the doctor a complete picture of the child's behavior and life.
The questions that are included in these interviews could be related to academic performance, like how long a child can concentrate on a task and if they are having difficulty finishing tasks. The doctor could also inquire about emotional issues, like anxiety or depression that could result in an individual having trouble paying attention.
A physical exam may include imaging studies as well as laboratory tests. These tests are used to look for any conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorder or nutritional deficiencies. It is crucial for patients to find a doctor who is experienced in the diagnosis of ADHD. Research before selecting the right specialist. Examine the professional's educational and certification qualifications. Discuss with other doctors and patients about their experiences with the specialist.
4. Psychological evaluation
A psychological assessment focuses on the personality of an individual, their emotional state, behavior, and beliefs. It includes a set of surveys and questions and also clinical observation by the mental health professional conducting the assessment.
A psychologist or therapist may also employ questionnaires and ratings scales to gauge a person's attention and impulsivity. They will also interview the person, as relatives, school officials as well as teachers and coaches to get a full picture of how the person behaves in various settings.
It is crucial to select an experienced therapist working with children suffering from ADHD. It is even better if they have special training in treating this disorder. A therapist who does not have this experience is unlikely to be able to diagnose ADHD, nor should they attempt to do so. There are many mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and adolescents including child psychiatrists.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must exhibit symptoms in more than one setting (such as home and school). The symptoms must be severe enough to cause disruption in the daily activities. They must have lasted for at least six months. They are not caused by a medical issue such as a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If someone meets the criteria for diagnosis they will receive a treatment plan which may include medication and therapy. The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms but it doesn't cure the condition. Therapy will help the person learn how to deal with the symptoms and manage them on a day-to-day basis.
A mental health professional can be asked for an ADHD evaluation to determine whether the individual is suffering from this disorder. Self-assessments are a helpful tool, but it's essential to consult an expert for a proper diagnosis. The therapist can then recommend the best course which may include therapy or medication.