How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person is diagnosed with ADHD when they have symptoms that last for a long time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The specialist will consider the impact on family members and friends as well.
The professional evaluating you may request documents from your childhood to help them understand what you've experienced. They could also request questionnaires from your family members and close friends.
1. Make an appointment with your GP
The first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD is to book an appointment with your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a health professional who is skilled in ADHD tests for adults.
During the interview your health care provider may ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily routine. You will be asked about your family history as well as personal life. It is important to be honest in this process particularly in cases where your symptoms are creating major problems for you at work or home. Your health care provider may also request questionnaires to your spouse, or other close family members to gain more understanding of your symptoms.
Your doctor could also perform psychological and physical tests. These tests will help them identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. You could also be offered a an exam that will assess your academic performance.
People with ADHD can have a hard time remembering details from their childhood, so it is important to bring school reports or other school records to the test. They may also require you to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile in which they speak with someone who knows you well about your childhood behaviour and the impact it had on your adult life. This isn't to doubt your honesty, but rather to provide more context for your issues.
2. Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist
A specialist in ADHD can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you need medication, your doctor may prescribe it.
When you see an expert, be honest about your problems and how they impact your life. They might also suggest that you speak with your family members or your friends. They may offer a different perspective on your problems and might see things that you haven't considered.
You will likely be asked about your childhood. You may be asked to bring reports and other documents from your school days. Some specialists may want to speak with your teachers, parents, or other people who can provide information about your childhood behavior.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD often develop comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. These conditions can be made worse due to the anxiety and frustration that result from untreated ADHD, and can make symptoms of ADHD worse. Your mental health professional can recommend you to a counselor who can help with your anxiety and depression, or to a therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. You can also ask for suggestions from an ADHD support group. You can also seek recommendations from your local university hospital or graduate school of psychology.
3. Have adhd assessment in adults to refer you to a psychiatrist
Ask your family doctor should you have medical insurance, to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist. You can also contact the local university that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend a person. You may be required to pay a fee, however, the assessment is typically closely monitored by a qualified clinician.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who treats brain disorders. They can prescribe medications for ADHD and other disorders. They can assist you with managing your symptoms by providing counseling and other life skills. They can also help you establish a support network. They're expensive however, they possess an excellent level of expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also talk to a nurse practitioner, who is another kind of healthcare professional who can assist with mental health issues. They are commonly referred to as psychiatric mental health nurses and are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. They also prescribe medications but they aren't capable of providing counselling.
You may also see neurologists, which is a doctor that specializes in the brain and central nervous system. They can detect comorbidity and determine if there are other conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. They can also arrange for MRI tests if they are required.
4. Ask your GP for the referral to psychologists.
Ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or any other mental health professional that specializes in adult ADHD. It is recommended to find someone who has experience with ADHD in the adult region. This could take a while. 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 specialize in adult ADHD. You can also contact an office of mental health or a wellness centre that offers ADHD assessments and will likely have a list of specialists available to select from.
The first step towards being diagnosed with ADHD is to conduct a thorough interview. This will look into your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The psychologist or psychiatrist uses a set criteria to determine if you suffer from ADHD. If they suspect you have ADHD, they will refer you to a cognitive-behavioral psychologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication.
Many universities offer doctoral degrees in clinical psychology. These clinics provide ADHD evaluations at low cost or free to their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a student who is closely supervised by an expert, so you can rest assured that you'll receive the most thorough evaluation possible. This can be a great option for adults who do not want to wait for a long time to get an official diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive-behavioural therapist
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a health professional. This involves physical examination and an interview to see how the symptoms impact the individual's life. It's also important to identify whether the person suffers from other mental health conditions that could have the similar symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
During the interview the specialist will ask the person about their history with mental health and attention issues. The specialist will examine the person's academic, work and family history to determine how they function. It's important that the person who is being assessed is honest about their issues. They shouldn't be hiding their problems because 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 determine if symptoms are disruptive and cause functional impairment. The doctor will also determine if the person has any other disorders such as depression, anxiety disorder or a learning issue.
If you are having difficulty getting an assessment through the NHS or other services, ask your GP to recommend you to a cognitive therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. Many of the patients who have tried to access the NHS have reported long waiting times which is why a private-run assessment may be worth considering.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD
Talk to your doctor about your concerns and goals. If your ADHD is affecting the relationships you have with your friends and colleagues, then you might wish to consider classes or therapy that focus on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or are often late to meet deadlines, it's crucial to discuss with your doctor about these issues and discuss how they have impacted your life and work.
The doctor you choose will likely be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist who specializes in adult ADHD. You may also be directed to a cognitive behavioural therapy.
The doctor will also request you to give examples of your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask about your personal history especially your childhood. You must have displayed symptoms of ADHD during your childhood in order to be diagnosed. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not recall exhibiting any symptoms or downplay them as children, which is why this part of the test isn't easy.
Bring any documents or information from your school or work. This will help the evaluator determine the most accurate diagnosis. They may also interview your supervisors, colleagues or teachers to obtain an accurate picture of your behaviour. They will also review your medical records to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to ADHD.