How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person may be diagnosed with ADHD when they exhibit symptoms that last for a prolonged period of time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The specialist will also consider the impact on family members and friends as well.
The doctor who will be evaluating you might require records from your childhood to aid them in understanding what you've been going through. They could also request questionnaires from your relatives and close friends.
1. Make an appointment with your GP
The first step to be diagnosed with ADHD is to make an appointment with your GP. Your GP is able to refer you to a health specialist who is specialized in ADHD assessments for adults.
During the visit, your health care provider may ask you about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You will be asked questions about your family history and personal life. It is essential to be honest during this interview particularly in cases where your symptoms are creating significant problems for you at home or at work. Your doctor may request questionnaires to your spouse, or other family members to gain more insight into your symptoms.
In addition to the assessment of symptoms, your health care provider is likely to conduct psychological and physical tests. These tests can assist your health professional rule out other conditions which could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. They might also provide you with a test to measure your academic performance.
People with ADHD may have a difficult remembering details from their childhood, which is why it is essential to bring report cards or other school records to the test. They might also require you to fill out an retrospective ADHD profile, where they interview someone who knows you well about your childhood behaviour and the impact it had on your life as an adult. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, it's just a way of providing additional information regarding your issues.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist
A specialist in ADHD may be a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. A specialist may prescribe medication, in the event that you require it.
Be honest when you speak with a specialist about your issues and how they affect your life. They will probably need to speak with your family or friends, as well. They could offer a new perspective on your issues and may see things that you didn't consider.
You will likely be asked about your childhood. The specialist might request that you bring reports from your school days and other relevant records. Certain specialists may wish to interview parents, teachers or other people who were familiar with you during your childhood and can provide information about your childhood behavior.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more likely to suffer from complications like depression and anxiety. Untreated ADHD can cause chronic stress and frustration which can lead to the recurrence of these conditions. Your mental health professional may recommend an experienced counselor who can help with your anxiety and depression or to an expert therapist who specializes in adult ADHD. You could also find an ADHD support group in your area and ask members for recommendations. You can also contact your local hospital at a university or an accredited graduate school in psychology to get suggestions.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
Ask your family doctor should you have medical insurance for referral to an adult ADHD specialist. You can also visit a local university that has an advanced program in clinical psychology to ask for recommendations. You may be required to pay a fee but the evaluation is generally closely supervised by an expert clinical psychologist.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who treats brain disorders. They may prescribe medication for ADHD or other conditions. They can assist you manage your symptoms through counselling and other life skills. They can also assist you establish an aid network. They're expensive however, they possess a high degree of experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also see nurse practitioners, which is another type of healthcare professional who can assist you with mental health issues. They are commonly referred to as mental health nurses psychiatric and they can diagnose and treat ADHD. They also prescribe medications however they are not able to provide counselling.
You can also consult a neurologist, who is a doctor that specializes in the brain and central nervous system. They can determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression. They can also arrange MRI tests if required.
4. Ask your GP for the referral to a psychologist
Request your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or any other mental health professional that specializes in adult ADHD. It is best to find an expert who has worked with adult ADHD in your region. This may take time. You can ask your friends and family members for recommendations of specialists in your area. You can also search the internet for doctors that specialize in adult ADHD. You can also contact any mental health or wellness center that provides ADHD assessments. They'll probably have the names of specialists who are available.
The first step to be diagnosed with ADHD is to conduct a thorough interview which focuses on your symptoms and the effects they affect your life even when you were younger. The psychologist or psychiatrist employs a set diagnostic criteria to determine if you suffer from ADHD. If they suspect you do they will refer you to a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist or psychiatrist who will prescribe medication.
Many universities offer clinical psychology doctoral programs, and there are clinics that provide low-cost or free ADHD evaluations for graduate students. You will be assessed by a graduate student who is closely monitored by an expert. This assures you of receiving the most comprehensive evaluation you can get. This can be a great option for adults who don't want to wait years to receive an official diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive-behavioural therapist
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination by a health care professional. This includes physical examination as well as an interview to assess how the symptoms impact the individual's life. It's important to determine if a person suffers from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that share some of the symptoms with ADHD.
During the interview the specialist will inquire about their history with mental health and attention issues. The specialist will look at the person's family history, school and work history to determine how they operate. It's important that the person who is being assessed discloses their issues. They should not hide their struggles 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 also examine if the symptoms are disruptive to the individual's life or they cause functional impairment. The specialist will also discuss whether or not the person is suffering from any other disorder like anxiety, depression or a learning disability.
If you're having trouble receiving an assessment through the NHS, ask your GP to recommend you to a cognitive behavioural therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. Many patients who have tried contacting the NHS for an assessment report have long wait times, so it's worth looking into.
6. Ask adult adhd assessment to refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD
Discuss with your doctor about your symptoms and your goals. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with your friends and colleagues, you may think about therapy or classes that focus on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or often miss deadlines, it's crucial to be honest with your doctor about these issues and explain how they've affected your work and life.
The specialist you choose is likely to be a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist who is specialized in adult ADHD. You may be referred to cognitive-behavioural therapists.
The doctor will also request you to give examples of your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also ask you about your life in the past, particularly your childhood. You must have been asymptomatic of ADHD in your childhood to be considered a candidate for diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not recall exhibiting any symptoms or downplay them as children, which is why this part of the evaluation can be challenging.
If you are able, bring an inventory of your current symptoms as well as any other documents from work or school. This will allow the assessor to make a more accurate diagnosis. They can also ask your co-workers or supervisors to give them a better picture of your behavior. They will also look over your medical records to determine if you have an underlying condition that is contributing to ADHD.