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How Can I Get Tested For ADHD? An ADHD evaluation is recommended for anyone who you care about has problems at home, school, or at work that are not explained by any other cause. The process usually takes several hours and requires the observation of a variety of environments, including at home as well as school. Providers review medical and family information and school records. They also interview the individual suffering from symptoms as well as their partner or close friend. Diagnosis A diagnosis or screening for ADHD is the first step to finding a treatment plan that will aid you in managing your symptoms and move on with your life. The correct treatment will allow you perform your job effectively and remain organized. It can also assist you in managing stress. The process of screening or evaluation The process for screening or evaluation is different, but you should be prepared for a lengthy discussion of your symptoms and how they affect the way you or your child's functioning. You could be asked to respond to questions on rating scales and questionnaires about your behavior or your child's, as well as complete family, medical and mental health history. You should also be prepared to provide your or your child's school and activity records. The healthcare professional will likely need to talk with those who are familiar with you or your children, like teachers, coaches or parents. They may also interview others about their observations of the behavior. A qualified person who specializes in ADHD diagnosis will examine all of the information and use it to determine if you or your child is suffering from an issue with hyperactivity, attention, or impulsivity. They will also determine which type of ADHD you or your child has—inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined. The person who assesses you or your child will take into consideration how many symptoms you have and how often you experience them, and whether they cause impairment in more than one situations (home school, work, or both). They will also rule other conditions that could trigger similar symptoms such as thyroid problems, depression, or other mental illnesses or physical ailments like hearing or vision issues. If a healthcare professional decides that you or your child have ADHD they will make an assessment in accordance with American Psychiatric Association guidelines. The evaluator may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if you have an underlying condition that might be contributing to your child's issues like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability. Most of the time, these tests aren't required for an ADHD diagnosis however they could be recommended if the symptoms are severe. Treatment Finding an ADHD screening and diagnosis is the first step towards gaining control of symptoms that may be negatively impacting your life especially at school or work. The process of evaluation is not always easy. Honesty is essential. Keep in mind that your doctor wants to help you manage your symptoms so that you can live the best possible life. You must be suffering from at least six symptoms, and they must affect your ability function in a variety of settings (home, school, or work). You must have experienced these symptoms prior to the age of 12. You must have had these symptoms since before age 12. Your health care professional will also conduct additional tests, such as physical exams to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. A neuropsychologist or psychologist could be part of the evaluation process to assess how ADHD symptoms affect you. Neurological and/or psychological testing could include tests on your memory, motor skills and learning abilities. www.iampsychiatry.com of an ADHD screening is an in-depth review of the data collected. A health care professional may interview parents, you or other caregivers as well as teachers, religious leaders, scout leaders and former employers. They may also seek the assistance of a close friend or colleague who is familiar with you. The health care professional might also send questionnaires to these individuals to get more details. The health care professional will determine whether you suffer from ADHD and what kind of treatment is best for you. Treatment options may include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. These medications may include stimulants or non-stimulants, which are the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as sleep disturbance, difficulty sleeping through the night, or a slight increase in heart rate. Signs and symptoms Many of the symptoms of ADHD may also be a sign of other disorders like depression and anxiety. They may be caused by certain medications or illnesses or lifestyle factors. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine if one suffers from ADHD. This is usually done by a medical professional who will interview the person and their family members, complete tests and questionnaires and collect information from those who know them well. This includes current and former teachers, coaches and religious leaders and other caregivers. It is crucial to tell the truth and not hide any information even if it's embarrassing. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. Inattention is a condition where people aren't able to pay attention to what other people are talking about. They may also forget important things or lose things. People who have hyperactivity/impulsivity are restless, fidgety or can't sit still for long periods of time. They may attempt to do several things at the same time or interrupt other people in games and conversations. They often make rash decisions without taking into account the consequences or how others might react. Adults with ADHD struggle with making appointments, following directions and organizing their home or work life. They might make frequent errors on simple tasks and fail to complete their work on time or miss out on opportunities due to their inability to plan ahead. They might also have issues maintaining relationships with family members and friends or keeping in touch. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child or adult must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention and 5 or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (or both) for at least six months. The symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and be a problem at work, school or in social situations. They must have first started before the age of 12, and they can't be explained by a disorder, like depression or anxiety. Don't assume that these symptoms are not normal or that they can be treated on your own. Consult an expert in mental health to get a psychiatric assessment. This will include an explanation of your symptoms and an overview of your medical and mental health history. The examination will also consist of questionnaires and physical examinations to determine if there are any other conditions that could cause them. Support There are plenty of self-tests and ratings scales online for adults who suspect they may have ADHD. But they're not as effective as an actual assessment by medical professionals. An ADHD assessment usually lasts between one and three hours. The clinician will inquire about the individual's health lifestyle, habits and family background. They'll also look at the symptoms the patient has been experiencing and whether they interfere with school, work or home life. They may also ask questions about the person's spouse, parents or other close friends, and they might ask for records like performance evaluations from workplace, medical insurance details, or old report cards. It can be beneficial for family members to know more about ADHD to be aware of what their loved one is going through. This will allow them to support the person in meeting their obligations, and avoid remarks that could be hurtful or stigmatizing. For example, knowing that ADHD isn't the result of too much screen time or poor parenting could help to be more understanding when the person has lost their keys or misses the time of a meeting. A doctor will make diagnosis after analyzing all the information available, including a physical exam. They will check for other causes of the problem like hearing or vision issues. They'll also compare the individual's behavior with that of other people their age and use standardized rating scales. Adults must be able to meet an upper threshold for symptoms (5 out of 9 during the last six months) to be diagnosed with ADHD, but still have to experience enough symptoms to cause significant difficulties in their lives. They also must have had those symptoms since their childhood (technically, before age 12). It can be tempting for someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD to believe that they don't need treatment anymore. It's essential to stick to the treatment program. For children, that means making sure they attend regular appointments and follow-up visits. Adults might benefit from support services like medication management and cognitive behavior therapy or coaching.