How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person can be diagnosed with ADHD when they experience symptoms that persist for a long period of time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The doctor will take into consideration the impact on family and friends as well.
The doctor who will be evaluating you might ask for records from your childhood to help them understand what you've experienced. They may also request questionnaires from your family members and close friends.
1. Make an appointment with your GP
Making an appointment with your GP is the first step to getting diagnosed with ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ADHD assessments for adult patients.
During the visit, your health care provider may ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You will be asked questions about your family history and personal life. It is crucial to remain honest, especially if you are experiencing major issues at work or at home due to your symptoms. Your health care provider might request questionnaires to your spouse or other family members to gain understanding of your symptoms.
In addition to the symptom evaluation Your health care professional will likely conduct physical and psychological tests. These will help them identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. You may also be given an exam that will assess your academic performance.
People suffering from ADHD are often having a hard time remembering details from their childhood, so it is essential to bring report cards or other school records to the test. You might also be asked to complete an retrospective ADHD Profile, which entails interviewing someone who is familiar with your childhood and its impact on your adult life. This isn't meant to challenge your honesty, it simply provides additional information regarding your issues.
2. Request your GP to refer you to a specialist
A specialist in ADHD could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you require medication, your doctor might prescribe it.
When you see a specialist, be honest about your issues and how they affect your life. They might need to speak with your family members or friends, as well. They may offer a different perspective on your problems and might see things that you didn't think of.
You are likely to be asked about your childhood. You may be asked to bring your reports and other documents from your school days. Certain specialists may wish to interview parents, teachers or other people who knew you well during your childhood and can provide details regarding your childhood conduct.
Adults with untreated ADHD often suffer from comorbidities, like depression and anxiety. Untreated ADHD can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, which can worsen these conditions. Your mental health professional can refer you to a counselor who can help with your anxiety and depression or a therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. You can also look for an ADHD support group in your area and ask members for recommendations. You can also call the local hospital of your university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
Ask your family physician should you have medical insurance, to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist. You can also contact the local university that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend a person. You may have to pay a fee however the evaluation will be closely monitored by a professional.
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 conditions. They can help you manage your symptoms by providing counseling and other life skills. They can also help you to find a support network. They can be expensive, however, they are extremely skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also consult nurse practitioners who is a different kind of healthcare professional that can assist you with mental health issues. They are also known as psychiatric nurses, and are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. They may prescribe medication, but not counselling.
You may also consult with a neurologist. A neurologist is a specialist doctor who works in the central and brain nerve system. They can spot comorbidities and determine if other conditions that are causing the symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety disorder or depression. They can also arrange MRI tests if necessary.
4. Ask your GP to refer you to psychologists
Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD. It is best to locate someone who has experience with ADHD in the adult region. This may take time. You can ask your friends and family members if they know of any specialists in your local area, and you can also look online for doctors who specialize in adult ADHD. You can also contact any mental health or wellness centre offering ADHD evaluations. They'll probably have the names of specialists who are available.
The first step to getting diagnosed with ADHD is to conduct a thorough interview. This will explore your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then apply a set of diagnostic criteria to determine if you have ADHD. If they suspect you suffer from ADHD, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or cognitive-behavioural therapist who will prescribe medication.
Many universities offer clinical psychology doctoral programs, and they have clinics that provide low-cost or free ADHD assessments for their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a graduate student who is closely monitored by an expert, so you can rest assured that you're receiving the most comprehensive assessment you can get. This can be an ideal option for people who don't want to wait years to receive an official diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP for a referral to a cognitive behavioural therapist.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a medical professional. This includes a physical exam and an interview to assess how symptoms affect the person's life. It is also crucial to determine if the person has other mental health conditions that may share some of the similar symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
During the interview the specialist will ask the person about their past history of issues with attention and mental health issues. The specialist will also look at the person's family, school and work history to understand how they perform. It is important that the person who is being evaluated be honest about their symptoms. They shouldn't conceal their struggles 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 determine if the symptoms are disruptive to the person's life and they result in impairment in their functioning. The doctor will also determine if the individual suffers from any other issues such as anxiety, depressive disorder, or a learning difficulty.
If you are having difficulty getting an assessment via the NHS or other services, ask your GP to recommend you to a cognitive specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. Many patients who have attempted to access the NHS have experienced long wait times and a private 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. If your ADHD affects your relationships with your family, friends and colleagues, then you may be interested in classes or therapy that focuses on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or deadlines, speak up with your doctor and explain the effects these issues have had on your work and personal life.
The specialist you choose will likely be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist who specializes in adult ADHD. You may be referred to cognitive-behavioural therapists.
In addition to conducting a structured interview, the doctor will also ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also inquire about your previous experiences especially your childhood. This is because, to be considered to have ADHD, you must have been able to show signs of the disorder in childhood (technically before age 12). This part of the test is a challenge for many adults with ADHD who aren't able to remember or downplay their symptoms as children.
If you can, bring the list of your current symptoms and any documents from school or work. This will assist the evaluator determine the most accurate diagnosis. They may also ask your colleagues or supervisors to give them a better picture of your behavior. Lastly, speaking of will also review your medical history to see whether there are any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your ADHD.