How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person can be diagnosed with ADHD when they have symptoms that last for a long time and are severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning. The specialist will consider the impact on family members and friends as well.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may request any documents from your childhood which could help them understand why you've been struggling. They may also request questionnaires from your relatives and close friends.
1. Make an appointment with your GP
The first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD is to make an appointment with your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a health professional who specializes in ADHD assessments for adult patients.
During the interview, your healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You will be asked questions about your family history and personal life. It is essential to be honest during this interview particularly if your symptoms are causing significant problems for your family or at work. Your health care provider may also ask you to provide questionnaires to your spouse, or other family members to get more insight into your symptoms.
Your health care provider may also conduct psychological and physical tests. These tests will help them rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety. You may also be given an exam that will assess your academic performance.
People with ADHD can have a hard remembering details from their childhood, so it is important to bring your report cards or other school records to the assessment. They might request you to complete an retrospective ADHD profile which involves interviewing someone who knows you well about your childhood behaviour and the effects it had on your life as an adult. This is not intended to challenge your honesty, it simply provides more information about your issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you to an expert
A specialist in ADHD could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. They can teach you how to manage your symptoms, and enhance your quality of life. If you require medication, your doctor might prescribe it.
When you meet with a specialist, be honest about your issues and how they impact your life. They might also suggest that you talk to your family members or friends. They may offer a different perspective on your problems and may uncover something that you didn't consider.
You will be asked to describe your childhood. The specialist may ask you to bring reports from your school days as well as other pertinent records. Some specialists will want to interview teachers, parents or others who knew you well in your childhood and can provide details about your childhood behaviour.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more likely to experience complications like anxiety and depression. adhd adults assessment can cause chronic anxiety and stress, which can worsen the symptoms. Your mental health professional could refer you to counsellors who can assist with depression and anxiety or to a therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. You can also request recommendations from an ADHD support group. You can also ask for recommendations from the local hospital of your university or graduate school of psychology.
3. Ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist
If you have a medical insurance policy, request your family doctor to refer you to a health care professional who performs ADHD evaluations for adults. 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 have to pay a fee however, the assessment is typically closely monitored by a qualified psychologist.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who is specialized in brain disorders and can diagnose and treat you. They can prescribe medication for ADHD or other disorders. They can assist you manage your symptoms by providing counseling and other life skills. They can also help you to find an aid network. They're costly, but they have an excellent degree of experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You may also speak with a nurse practitioner, who is another type healthcare professional that can help with mental health issues. They are commonly referred to as psychiatric mental health nurses and are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. They can also prescribe medications but they aren't qualified to offer counseling.
You can also talk to with a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the central nervous system and the brain. They will determine if there are any other conditions that may be the cause of symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression. They can also schedule MRI tests if required.
4. Have your GP to refer you to a psychologist
Ask your GP to recommend you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health professional that specializes in adult ADHD. It is best to locate someone who has experience with ADHD in the adult region. It could take some time. You can ask friends and family for suggestions of specialists in your area. You can also search online for doctors that specialize in adult ADHD. You can also call an a mental health center or a wellness centre that offers ADHD tests and will probably have a list of specialists to pick from.
The first step to be diagnosed with ADHD is to conduct a thorough interview that focuses on your symptoms as well as the effects they affect your life, including when you were younger. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then apply a set of diagnostic criteria to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. If they suspect you have ADHD they will refer you to a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist or psychiatrist who will prescribe medication.
Many universities offer doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, and their clinics offer ADHD evaluations at no cost or for free to their graduate students. You'll be assessed by a student who is closely monitored by a professional, so you can be confident that you're receiving the most comprehensive assessment you can get. This is 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 therapy
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a health professional. This may include physical examination and an interview to assess how symptoms affect 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 as ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
During the interview, the doctor will ask about the individual's history with attention problems and other mental health issues. The specialist will also look at the person's family, school and work history to determine how they operate. It is crucial that the person who is being evaluated 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 are disruptive to the individual's life or they cause functional impairment. The doctor will also determine if the individual has any other disorders like depression, anxiety disorder or a learning problem.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment from the NHS you can ask your GP for the referral to a cognitive behavioural therapist who specializes in adult ADHD. Many patients who have attempted to access the NHS have experienced long wait times which is why a private-run assessment might be worth a look.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist for adult ADHD
Discuss with your doctor about your concerns and goals. For instance, if ADHD affects your relationships with your friends and colleagues, you may be interested in therapy or classes that focus on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or are often late to meet deadlines, it's important to talk to your doctor about these issues and discuss how they have impacted your work and life.
The person you choose to consult is likely to be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist who specializes in adult ADHD. You could be referred to cognitive-behavioural therapy.
In addition to conducting an organized interview, the specialist will ask you to give specific examples of your symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your life in the past, particularly your childhood. This is because to be considered to have ADHD you must have displayed signs of the disorder during your the early years of your life (technically before the age of 12). Many adults with ADHD don't remember showing any symptoms or downplay them as children, so this part of the test could be a challenge.
Bring any documents or information from your workplace or school. This will allow the evaluation specialist to make a precise diagnosis. They may also interview your co-workers, supervisors or teachers to gain more of a complete picture of your behaviour. Lastly, they will also look over your medical history to see if there are any underlying conditions that may contribute to your ADHD.