How to Get Tested For ADHD
Everyone struggles to stay organized or focused at times, but if these problems are so severe as to cause disruption in work, school, and relationships, it may be time to test. Learn more about the evaluation procedure for ADHD.
A health professional uses a multistep evaluation to determine whether someone has symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This may include a medical exam, behavioral observations, and tests that are standardized.
1. Self-assessment
In a self-assessment, you assess how well you're performing in a particular task or activity. Then, you establish goals or plans to improve your performance. Self-assessment is a common practice in many environments, including schools and at work. The process can be flawed due to several factors. For example, people may overrate themselves more than their peers, particularly when they're under pressure. This is especially true of medical students, as the students who have achieved the highest grades tend to evaluate themselves more harshly than peers (see Boud3 for a more thorough discussion of this issue).
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association, a person is classified as having ADHD when the symptoms have been present for a long time and interfered with their functioning in two aspects of their lives, like at school and at home. 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 are unable to concentrate and staying organized, as well as following instructions. 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 answers before they've finished their questions, or interrupt conversations, games and activities.
In general, doctors will conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether someone meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD as per the DSM-5-TR. They may also conduct psychological tests to determine cognitive abilities, such as working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) or spatial and visual ability. They can also conduct neuropsychological tests, which examine brain function. While this doesn't directly assess ADHD however, it can help identify conditions that resemble the symptoms of ADHD like learning disorders, mood disorders, head injuries and thyroid problems. Most people with ADHD may also suffer from other mental health issues such as oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety disorders and conduct disorders. They may also suffer from other physical issues, such as gastrointestinal issues or sleep disorders.
2. Family History
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized from time to time. But if the issues are causing major problems in work, school or at home (such as dropping grades, losing jobs or paying bills late) it's recommended to speak with an expert in mental health regarding getting an evaluation for ADHD.
In general, ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms are present in at least two settings and last for at least six months. The symptoms must also have begun in childhood, or at the very least, before the age of 12 years old. The person's behavior must be disruptive to the workplace, family and social life.
People with ADHD typically have other medical conditions as well. A doctor or psychiatrist will do a comprehensive screening to identify any other mental health issues which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical examination is also part of the evaluation. The physician will also check to determine if there's any health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
A health professional will look over the medical and family history of a person, and may perform urine and blood tests. They typically ask several questions that are geared toward the person's age and interview other people such as teachers, parents or babysitters to obtain a full picture. They will often use ratings scales and questionnaires to assess the person's symptoms.
ADHD is usually acquired. It is crucial that family members are included in the process. If parents are aware of their child's ADHD, they should let the school and other caretakers know and formulate an action plan to address them. It's an excellent idea to get family members to speak with their own doctors to discuss ways to support each other. Adult patients should also discuss their previous struggles to manage hyperactivity and attention. This can help doctors decide whether they're suitable for treatment. It's not uncommon for adults who have had ADHD to continue to struggle with it into their adulthood.
3. Physical Examination
The physical exam consists of checking vital signs such as temperature and pressure. The doctor may also apply pressure to certain areas of the body to check for abnormalities. This could include the head, neck, abdomen hands, feet, knees and hands. The doctor will also examine the patient's ears, eyes and nose to determine whether there are any indications of injury or illness.
A physical exam can determine if the symptoms of ADHD may be due to a different medical condition, like thyroid dysfunction or diabetes. The doctor will also review the health background of the patient and their family members. This is vital because ADHD often runs in families. The doctor will want to know if the symptoms of ADHD began before the age of 12.
In order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the following requirements must be met: The symptoms are present in more than one place like school, home, or at work. The symptoms of the individual are severe, 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 depression or anxiety.
When examining children for the presence of ADHD, the doctor will conduct an interview with the child, their parents and teachers. This is an important aspect of the assessment, as it gives the doctor an accurate picture of the child's behavior and life.
Some of the questions included in these interviews may be related to academic performance. For instance how long a child can concentrate on a task, or the extent to which they struggle to complete tasks. The doctor may also inquire about emotional issues such as feelings of depression and anxiety that can cause a person to be unable to focus.
A physical exam may also include imaging tests and laboratory studies. These tests are utilized to determine if there's any medical conditions that could be responsible for ADHD symptoms, for instance thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies. It is essential to find a specialist with experience in diagnosing ADHD. When selecting a doctor ensure that you do your homework by researching the professional's certification and academic qualifications. Also, talk to other patients and professionals about their experiences with the doctor.
4. Psychological evaluation
A psychological assessment examines an individual's personality, emotional state, behaviours and beliefs. It consists of surveys and questions and also clinical observation by the mental health professional who is conducting the evaluation.
Psychologists or therapists can also utilize questionnaires and ratings scales to gauge the person's impulsivity and attention. They will also interview relatives, school officials and teachers to gain a complete picture of the person's behavior.
It is essential to select an experienced therapist who has experience working with children with ADHD. It is even better if they've had specific training for treating this disorder. A therapist who does not have this experience will not be able to diagnose ADHD and shouldn't try to diagnose it. There are my website of various mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and adolescents such as child psychiatrists and pediatric psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must show symptoms in at least two different settings (such as school and home). The symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning. They must have lasted for at least 6 months. They cannot be caused by a medical condition like an issue with thyroid or seizure disorder.
If a person meets the criteria for diagnosis they will be given a treatment plan which may include therapy and medications. Medication can help control the symptoms of ADHD but it isn't an effective treatment for the disorder. Therapy will teach the person how to manage the symptoms and manage them on a daily basis.
A mental health professional can be sought out to conduct an ADHD assessment to determine if the person is suffering from this disorder. Self assessments are a useful instrument, but it's important to go to an expert for a proper diagnosis. The therapist will then advise the most effective course of action, which may involve medication and/or therapy.