How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person is diagnosed with ADHD when they have symptoms that persist for a long period of time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The specialist will also consider the impact on family members and friends as well.
The professional who will be conducting the assessment might ask for any records from your childhood which could help them understand how you've struggled. They may also ask you to complete questionnaires with your family members and close friends.
1. Book an appointment with your GP
Booking an appointment with your GP is the first step to getting diagnosed with ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a health professional who is skilled in ADHD tests for adults.
During assessment for adhd in adults will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. They will also inquire about your family history and personal details. It is crucial to be honest during this interview especially when your symptoms are causing significant problems for you at work or home. You may be required to complete questionnaires by your health care professional for your spouse or family members to get a better understanding of your symptoms.
Your doctor may also perform psychological and physical tests. They will be able to identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. They might also offer you an exam to gauge your academic performance.
It is crucial to bring your school report cards or any other school records to the evaluation. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty remembering certain details from their childhood. You might be asked to fill out an retrospective ADHD Profile, which involves interviewing someone who is familiar with your childhood and its effects on your adult life. This is not to question your honesty, but rather to provide more context for your problems.
2. Ask your GP for the referral to an expert
A specialist in ADHD could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and improve your life quality. A doctor may prescribe medication if you need it.
Be honest when you meet with a specialist about your concerns and how they affect your life. They will probably want to talk with your family or friends as well. They can give you another perspective on your issues and may be able to see things you've not considered.
You are likely to be asked about your childhood. The specialist might require you to bring in reports from your school days as well as other records pertinent to your case. Some specialists might want to speak with your parents, teachers or other individuals who can give you details on the behavior of your child.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD frequently suffer from comorbidities like depression and anxiety. These issues can be made worse by the chronic stress and frustration caused by untreated ADHD and can cause symptoms of ADHD worse. Your mental health professional can recommend you to counsellors who can assist with depression and anxiety, or to a therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. You can also search for an ADHD support group in your area and ask members there for recommendations. You can also ask for recommendations from the local hospital of your university or graduate school of psychology.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
Ask your family doctor should you have medical insurance for referral to an adult ADHD specialist. You can also call an institution in your area that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend a person. You may need to pay a fee but the evaluation is usually closely supervised by an expert clinician.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in brain disorders and can diagnose and treat you. They are able to prescribe medications for ADHD and other disorders. They can assist you with managing your symptoms by providing counselling and other life skills. They can also aid you in locating a support network. They are expensive, but they have a high degree of experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also consult a nurse practitioner, who is another type healthcare professional who can assist with mental health issues. They are also known as psychiatric nurses and can diagnose and treat ADHD. They can also prescribe medications however they are not qualified to offer counseling.
You can also talk to an neurologist. A neurologist is a specialist doctor who works in the central nervous system and the brain. They can identify comorbidity and determine if other conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression. They can also schedule MRI tests if necessary.
4. Ask your GP for the referral to a psychologist
Request your GP to refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or another mental health professional that specializes in adult ADHD. It is best to find a specialist in your area who is experienced with the disorder, and it may take some time. You could ask your friends or family members if they know of any specialists in the local area. You may also search the internet for doctors who specialise in adult ADHD. You can also reach out to any mental health or wellbeing centre offering ADHD evaluations. They will likely have a list of specialists available.
The first step to getting diagnosed with ADHD involves a detailed interview. This will explore your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The psychiatrist or psychologist uses a set criteria to determine if you have ADHD. If they suspect that you have it, they will refer you to a cognitive behavioural psychologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication.
Many universities offer doctoral degrees in clinical psychology. Their clinics provide ADHD evaluations at low cost or for free to their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a student who is closely supervised by an expert, which means you can be confident that you'll receive the most thorough evaluation possible. This is a great choice if you don't want wait long for a diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP for the referral to a cognitive behavioural therapist.
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine ADHD. This involves a physical exam and an interview to assess how the symptoms impact a person's life. It's also important to determine whether the person suffers from other mental health conditions which may have the same symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
During the interview, the doctor will inquire about the person's history with attention problems and other mental health issues. The specialist will examine the person's school, work and family background to determine how they perform. It is essential that the person being assessed be honest about their symptoms. They shouldn't be hiding their problems out of shame or embarrassment.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, adults or children must have at least five established ADHD behaviors in the categories of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity for six months or longer. The specialist will also examine whether the symptoms cause disruption to the person's daily life and they result in functional impairment. The specialist will determine if the patient has any other disorders like depression, anxiety disorder or a learning problem.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment on the NHS Try asking your GP for the referral to a cognitive behavioural therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. Many people who have tried to access the NHS report long waiting periods which is why a private-run assessment may be worth considering.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD
Discuss with your doctor about your issues and goals. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with family members and colleagues, you may want to consider classes or therapy that focus on communication skills. If you frequently forget appointments or deadlines, speak up with your doctor and explain the impact these issues have had on your work and your personal life.
The doctor you choose is likely to be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist that specializes in adult ADHD. You may be referred cognitive-behavioural therapists.
The specialist will also ask you to list examples of your symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also ask about your past history, particularly your childhood. This is because, to be considered to have ADHD you must have shown symptoms of the disorder in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Many adults with ADHD do not recall exhibiting any symptoms or downplay them as children, so this portion of the evaluation isn't easy.
If you can, bring a list of your current symptoms as well as any documents from school or work. This will help the evaluation specialist to make a precise diagnosis. They may also talk to your co-workers, supervisors or teachers to obtain a more complete picture of your behaviour. In addition, they'll review your medical history to see whether there are any other conditions that could contribute to your ADHD.