How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
People can get diagnosed with ADHD if they have symptoms that last for a prolonged period and are severe enough to impact their daily activities. The specialist will also consider the impact of ADHD on family members and friends.
The professional doing the evaluation might ask for any records from your childhood that could help them understand how you've struggled. They might also ask for questionnaires from your family members and close friends.
1. Make an appointment with your GP
The first step to get diagnosed with ADHD is to make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will be able to refer you to a health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD tests for adults.
During the interview Your health care provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as personal life. It is crucial to be honest during this process particularly if your symptoms are causing major problems for you at work or home. Your doctor may also ask you to provide questionnaires for your spouse or other close family members to get more understanding of your symptoms.
In addition to the assessment of symptoms, your health care provider is likely to conduct physical and psychological tests. These tests will help them identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety. They might also provide you with a test to measure your academic performance.
It is essential to bring your school report cards or any other school records for the assessment. People with ADHD might have trouble recalling specific details from their childhood. They may also ask you to complete an retrospective ADHD profile which involves interviewing someone who is familiar with you about your childhood behavior and the effects it had on your life as an adult. This is not an attempt to question your honesty, but to provide more context regarding your problems.
2. Ask your GP for the referral to a specialist
A specialist in ADHD may be a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist. They can guide you on how to manage your symptoms, and improve your life quality. A doctor may prescribe medication, in the event that you require it.
Be honest when you talk with a specialist about your concerns and their impact on your life. They may also want to speak with your family members or your friends. They may offer a different perspective on your issues and may see things that you didn't consider.
You will likely be asked about your childhood. The specialist may ask you to bring reports from your school days and other relevant records. Some specialists might want to speak with your teachers, parents or other individuals who can provide information about your childhood behavior.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD often develop comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to chronic stress and frustration, which can worsen the symptoms. Your mental health professional can recommend an experienced counselor who can help with your anxiety and depression or to a therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. You can also ask for recommendations from an ADHD support group. You can also call the local hospital of your university or a graduate school in psychology to get suggestions.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
Ask your family physician should you have medical insurance ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist. You can also contact a local university that has graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend someone. You might be required to pay a fee however the evaluation will be closely supervised by a professional.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in disorders of the brain and can diagnose and treat you. They can prescribe medications for ADHD or other conditions. They are able to help you manage your symptoms with counseling and other life skills. They can also assist in locating a support network. They can be costly but they are very experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also talk to a nurse practitioner who is another type healthcare professional that can help with mental health issues. They are also known as psychiatric nurses, and can diagnose and treat ADHD. They may also prescribe medication however they are not qualified to offer counseling.
You can also see a neurologist, who is a doctor who has specialized in the brain and the central nervous system. They can determine if there is any other conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression. private adhd assessment for adults can also schedule MRI tests if they are required.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychologist
You can ask your GP for the referral to a psychologist, a psychiatrist or other mental health professionals who specialise in adult ADHD. It's best to try to locate a specialist in your area who is familiar with the condition, and it may 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 reach out to any mental health or wellbeing center that provides ADHD assessments. They will likely have an inventory of specialists available.
The first step towards being diagnosed with ADHD is to conduct a thorough interview. This will explore your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The psychiatrist or psychologist uses an established set of criteria to determine if you have ADHD. If they suspect you do they will refer you to a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist or psychiatrist who will prescribe medication.
Many universities offer doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, and their clinics provide ADHD assessments at a low cost or for free to their graduate students. You will be assessed by a graduate student who is closely monitored by a professional. This assures you of receiving the most complete evaluation that you can receive. This is a great option for adults who do not want to wait for a long time to receive an official diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive behavioural therapy
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination by a health professional. This involves a physical exam and an interview in order to determine the extent to which symptoms affect the person's life. It is crucial to determine if a person suffers from other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which have some of the same symptoms with ADHD.
During the interview the specialist will ask the person about their history with issues with attention and mental health issues. The specialist will examine the person's family, education and work history to determine how they function. It is essential that the person being evaluated be honest about their symptoms. They shouldn't conceal their issues to avoid embarrassment or shame.
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 cause functional impairment. The specialist will also discuss whether or not the patient is suffering from any other disorder, such as anxiety, depression or a learning disability.
If you are having difficulty getting an assessment via the NHS request your GP to recommend you to a cognitive behavioural therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. Many patients who have attempted to access the NHS have reported long waiting times, so a privately-run assessment could be worth looking into.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD
Talk to your doctor about your issues and goals. If your ADHD affects your relationships with your friends and colleagues, then you might wish to consider classes or therapy that concentrates on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or deadlines, talk with your doctor and explain the impact these issues have had on your professional and your personal life.
The specialist you choose will likely be a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist that specializes in adult ADHD. You may be referred cognitive-behavioural therapists.
The doctor will also request you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your previous experiences, particularly your childhood. This is because, to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have been able to show signs of the disorder during your childhood (technically before age 12). Many adults suffering from ADHD do not remember exhibiting any signs or symptoms as children, so this part of the assessment could be a challenge.
If possible, you should bring a list of your current symptoms along with any documents from your school or workplace. This will allow the evaluator to determine the most accurate diagnosis. They may also ask your co-workers or supervisors to provide them with more details about your behavior. They will also go through your medical records to determine if you have any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to ADHD.