How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person can be diagnosed with ADHD when they experience symptoms that last for a long period of time and are severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning. The specialist will also consider the impact on family and friends as well.
The person who is conducting the evaluation might ask for any records from your childhood that might help them understand why you've been struggling. They may also request questionnaires from your family and close friends.
1. Book an appointment with your GP
The first step to be diagnosed with ADHD is to schedule an appointment with your GP. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a health care specialist who specializes in ADHD assessments for adults.
During the interview, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily routine. They will also inquire about your family and personal history. It is essential to be honest in this process, especially in cases where your symptoms are creating major issues for you at work or home. You might be required to complete questionnaires by your health care professional for your spouse or other family members in order to gain more insight into your symptoms.
In addition to the symptom evaluation, your health care provider will probably perform physical and psychological tests. They will be able to identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and depression. You may also be asked to take a tests that measure your academic performance.
People with ADHD are often having a hard recalling specifics from their childhood, which is why it is crucial to bring report cards or other school records to the test. You might also be asked to complete a retrospective ADHD Profile, which entails interviewing someone who is familiar with your childhood and its effects on your adult life. This isn't to challenge your honesty, but to provide more context for your problems.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to an expert
A specialist in ADHD could be a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. A doctor may prescribe medication, if you need it.
Be honest when you meet with the specialist about your concerns and how they impact your life. They might be interested in talking to 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 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 individuals who can provide information about childhood behaviour.
Adults with untreated ADHD frequently suffer from comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. These problems can be exacerbated due to the anxiety and stress caused by untreated ADHD and can cause the 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 look for an ADHD support group in your area and ask the members there for recommendations. You can also ask for recommendations from your local university hospital or graduate school of psychology.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
If you have a medical insurance plan, ask your family physician to refer you to a medical care professional who can perform ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also call the local university that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and request a recommendation from them. You may need to pay a fee but the evaluation is usually closely supervised by an expert clinician.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who treats brain disorders. They can prescribe medication for ADHD and other conditions. They can assist you in managing your symptoms with counseling and other life skills. They can also assist you find an aid network. They can be costly, however they are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also consult a nurse practitioner, which is another type of healthcare professional who can assist you with mental health issues. They are also known as psychiatric nurses and can diagnose and treat ADHD. They can prescribe medication but not counseling.
You can also consult with a neurologist. A neurologist is a specialist doctor who works in the brain and central nerve system. They can spot comorbidities and determine if there are other conditions present that are causing the symptoms of ADHD like anxiety disorder or depression. They can also schedule MRI tests if required.
4. Have your GP to refer you to psychologists
Ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD. It is recommended to locate a specialist in your area who is experienced with the condition, and it may take some time. You could ask your friends or family if they know of any specialists in the local area. You can also look online for specialists in adult ADHD. You can also call an a mental health center or wellness center that provides ADHD assessments, and they will likely have a list of specialists available to select from.
The first step to be diagnosed with ADHD is a thorough assessment that focuses on your symptoms as well as the impact they affect your life even when you were younger. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then apply a set of diagnostic criteria to assess whether you have ADHD. If they suspect you have ADHD, they might refer you to a cognitive-behavioural therapist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication.
Many universities offer clinical psychology doctoral programs, and some have clinics that offer free or at a low cost ADHD assessments for their graduate students. You will be assessed by a graduate student who is closely monitored by an expert. This ensures that you are receiving the most complete evaluation that you can receive. This can be an excellent option for those who don't want to wait years to get an official diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive behavioural therapy
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a health professional. This may include a physical exam and an interview in order to determine the impact of the symptoms on the person's life. It is also crucial to determine whether the person suffers from other mental health issues that may share some of the similar symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
During the interview the specialist will ask the individual about their history of mental health and attention issues. The specialist will also look into the person's school, work and family history to determine their functioning. It is important that the person being assessed be open about their issues. They shouldn't hide their struggles due to 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 whether the symptoms are disruptive and result in functional impairment. The doctor will also determine if the person is suffering from any other disorder like depression, anxiety disorder, or a learning difficulty.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment through the NHS request your GP to refer you to a cognitive therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. Many patients who have attempted to access the NHS report long waiting periods, so a privately-run assessment might be worth a look.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for adult ADHD
Talk to your doctor about your concerns and goals. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with family members and colleagues, you might be interested in therapy or classes that concentrate on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or deadlines, talk with your doctor and explain the effects these issues have had on your professional and personal life.
The specialist you choose is likely to be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist who specializes in adult ADHD. You may also be directed to a cognitive behavioural therapy.
The specialist will also ask you to list examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also ask about your personal history especially your childhood. This is because to be considered to have ADHD, you must have shown symptoms of the disorder in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). This aspect of the assessment is a challenge for many adults suffering from ADHD who don't remember or deny their symptoms as children.
If adhd assessment test for adults are able, bring the list of your current symptoms as well as any documents from work or school. This will allow the evaluator to make an accurate diagnosis. They can also speak with your supervisors, coworkers or teachers to obtain an accurate picture of your behaviour. Additionally, they will look over your medical history to see if there are any underlying conditions that could contribute to your ADHD.