How to Get Tested For ADHD
If you're having trouble staying focused or organized, it is time to get your ADHD assessed. Find out more about the ADHD assessment process.
A health professional uses a multistep evaluation to determine whether someone has symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This includes a medical examination as well as behavioral assessments and standardized tests.
1. Self-assessment
In a self assessment, you rate your performance on a particular task or task. Then, you set an objective or plan to improve your performance. Self-assessment is a common practice in many situations, including at school and at work. However, female adhd test free can be flawed for a variety of reasons. People can overestimate their own capabilities more than they do when under pressure. This is especially true for medical students, where high achievers tend to assess themselves more harshly than their peers (see Boud3 for a more in-depth discussion of this phenomenon).
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 life, such as at home and school. The DSM-5-TR also outlines three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined.
People who are primarily inattentive ADHD struggle with concentrating on conversations or tasks; staying organized; and executing instructions, as per the DSM-5-TR. Those with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD act "as if driven by a motor" and have little impulse control, per the DSM-5-TR. They aren't able sit still for long and often blurt out answers before they've finished their questions or interrupt games, conversations and activities.
In general, doctors will use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if a person meets the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD as per the DSM-5-TR. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess cognitive skills like working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision making) or spatial and visual ability. They might also administer neuropsychological tests that look at brain function. While this doesn't directly assess ADHD however, it can help rule out conditions that resemble the symptoms of ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, head injuries, and thyroid issues. Often, people who have ADHD may also suffer from other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or anxiety disorders and conduct disorders. They might also have other physical ailments, such as gastrointestinal issues or sleep disorders.
2. Family history
Everyone has difficulty being organized and concentrating from time to time. But if those issues are causing major problems in work, school or home (such as getting poor grades, losing work or paying bills late) it's an excellent idea to talk with a mental health professional about getting an evaluation for ADHD.
In general, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of symptoms in more than one environment and lasting at least six months. The symptoms must have also begun in childhood, or at the very least, before the age of 12 years old. In addition, the person's behavior should be disruptive to family, social and professional life.
People with ADHD are often suffering from other conditions. A doctor or psychiatrist will perform a comprehensive screening to determine if there are other mental disorders that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms. Physical examinations are also part of the evaluation. The physician will also check to determine if there's any medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example thyroid disorders or vision and hearing problems.
A health professional will examine the medical and family history, and could do blood and urine tests. They usually ask an array of questions geared towards the person's age and interview others such as parents, teachers, babysitters or coaches to obtain a full picture. They employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of a person's symptoms.
ADHD is usually inherited. It is crucial that the family members are involved in the process. If parents are aware of their child's ADHD, they should let the school and other caretakers know and formulate a plan to address them. It's an excellent idea to get family members to speak with their doctors to discuss ways to be supportive of one another. It's also essential for patients who are older to talk about their previous difficulties with hyperactivity and attention because it can help a doctor determine if they're a suitable candidate for treatment. It's normal for people who had ADHD in their childhood to be struggling with it for a long time.
3. Physical examination
The physical exam is usually comprised of monitoring vital indicators like blood pressure and temperature. The doctor may also examine (touch) certain parts of the body to evaluate them for abnormalities. This could include the head, neck, abdomen, knees, hands and feet. The doctor will also examine the patient's eyes, ears and nose for any indications of injury or disease.
A physical exam can determine if the symptoms of ADHD are caused by a different medical issue, like thyroid disease or diabetes. The doctor will also review the medical history of the patient and their family members. This is vital because ADHD often runs in families. The doctor will also be looking to determine if the symptoms of ADHD began before age 12.
The following requirements must be met to diagnose ADHD: Symptoms must occur in at least two places like home, school or work. The person's symptoms are chronic and affect their daily functioning. The symptoms are present for at least six months and aren't the result of another mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
When conducting an examination of children to determine if they are suffering from of ADHD, the doctor will interview the child, their parents, and teachers. This is a crucial element of the evaluation as it gives the doctor a complete picture of the child's lifestyle and behavior.
A few of the questions included in these interviews could be related to academic performance, such as how long a child is able to concentrate on a task and if they have difficulties with completing tasks. The doctor may also inquire about emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression that can cause someone to have trouble paying attention.
A physical examination may also include imaging tests and laboratory studies. These tests are used to determine if there's any medical conditions causing ADHD symptoms, for instance thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies. It is important to find a specialist with expertise in diagnosing ADHD. When selecting a specialist, be sure to do your homework, such as looking up the specialist's certification and academic qualifications. Also, talk with other patients and professionals about their experiences with the specialist.
4. Psychological evaluation
A psychological assessment is a comprehensive look at the personality of an individual, their emotional states, behavior patterns and beliefs. It consists of surveys and questions as well as clinical observation by the mental health professional who is conducting the test.
A psychologist or therapist may also use questionnaires and rating scales to measure the person's impulsivity, attention and hyperactivity levels. They also talk to relatives as well as school officials and teachers to gather a picture of the person's behavior.
It is essential to select an experienced therapist working with children with ADHD. It is even better if they've had special training in treating this disorder. A therapist who does not have this training is unlikely to be qualified to diagnose ADHD or attempt to do so. There are many mental health professionals that specialize in working with children and adolescents such as child psychiatrists and pediatric psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must be exhibiting symptoms in at least two settings (such as home and school). The symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning. They should have been present for at least six months. They cannot be caused by a medical condition, such as an issue with thyroid or seizure disorder.
If an individual meets the criteria for diagnosis, they will receive a treatment plan that may include therapy and medications. The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it does not cure the disorder. Therapy will teach the person how to cope with symptoms and manage them on a daily basis.
A mental health professional can be sought out for an ADHD evaluation to determine whether the person is suffering from this disorder. Self-assessments are a helpful instrument, but it's essential to consult an expert for an accurate diagnosis. The therapist will then be able to recommend the best course which may include therapy or medication.