How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
People can get diagnosed with ADHD if they have symptoms that persist for a long period of time and are severe enough to impact their daily functioning. The specialist will also look at the effects of ADHD on family members and friends.
The professional doing the evaluation might ask for any records from your childhood that could aid them in understanding how you've struggled. They could also request questionnaires from your relatives and close friends.
1. Book an appointment with your GP
Making an appointment with your GP is the first step towards being diagnosed with ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a medical specialist who is specialized in ADHD assessments for adult patients.
During the interview Your health care provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You will be asked about your family history as well as your personal life. adult adhd assessment private is important to remain honest, especially in the event that you are experiencing significant issues at home or at work due to your symptoms. Your health care provider might also request questionnaires to your spouse, or other family members to gain insight into your symptoms.
In addition to the assessment of symptoms your doctor will probably perform psychological and physical tests. These tests will aid your health care provider identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. They might also offer you a test to measure your academic performance.
People suffering from ADHD can have a hard remembering details from their childhood, so it is crucial to bring school reports or other school records to the assessment. You may be asked to fill out the retrospective ADHD Profile, which entails interviewing someone who knows about your childhood and its impact on your adult life. This isn't to doubt your honesty, but to give more context about your issues.
2. Have your GP to refer you to a specialist
A specialist in ADHD could be a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist. They can teach you how to manage your symptoms, and improve your life quality. If you require medication, your specialist may prescribe it.
Be honest when you meet with a specialist about your problems and their impact on your life. They may be interested in talking to your family members or friends, as well. They can offer a different perspective on your problems and may uncover something you hadn't thought of.
You will be asked to talk about your childhood. The specialist may require you to bring in report cards from school days as well as other records pertinent to your case. Some specialists will want to interview parents, teachers or others who knew you well during your early years and will provide information about your childhood behaviour.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD often suffer from comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. These problems can be exacerbated due to the anxiety and stress caused by untreated ADHD, and can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. Your mental health professional could recommend an experienced counselor or therapist who is specialized in adult ADHD. You could also find an ADHD support group in your area and ask the members for recommendations. You can also contact your local hospital at a university or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
If you have a medical insurance, ask your family doctor to recommend you to a health care professional who can perform ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact a local university that has graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend someone. 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 specializes 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 counselling and other life skills. They can also assist you in locating a support network. They are expensive however they have the highest degree of expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also see a nurse practitioner who is a different kind of healthcare professional who can help you with mental health issues. They are commonly referred to as psychiatric mental health nurses and they can diagnose and treat ADHD. They can also prescribe medications however they are not qualified to offer counselling.
You can also consult 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 could be causing symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety disorder. They can also schedule MRI tests if needed.
4. Ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist
Request your GP to recommend you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD. It is recommended to find an expert who has worked with adult ADHD in your region. This could take a while. You can ask your friends or family members if they know of any specialists in the area, and you may also search the internet for specialists in adult ADHD. You can also call an a mental health center or wellness center that provides ADHD assessments, and they will likely have lists of specialists to select from.
The first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD is to conduct a thorough interview which focuses on your symptoms and the effects they have on your daily life, including when you were younger. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then use the diagnostic criteria to determine whether you have ADHD. If they suspect you have ADHD, they can refer you to a psychiatrist or cognitive-behavioural therapist who can prescribe medication.
Many universities offer doctoral in clinical psychology programs, and there are clinics that offer low-cost or free ADHD assessments for their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a graduate student who is closely monitored by a professional, so you can rest assured that you'll receive the most thorough evaluation possible. This is a great option if you don't want wait years for 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 medical professional. This involves a physical exam and an interview in order to determine the extent to which symptoms affect the person's daily activities. It is also crucial to determine whether the person suffers from other mental health issues which may have the same symptoms as ADHD like anxiety or depression.
During the interview, the specialist will ask the individual about their history of attention problems and mental health issues. The specialist will examine the person's family history, school and work history to see how they function. It is essential that the person who is being evaluated be honest about their problems. 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 examine if symptoms are disruptive and result in functional impairment. The doctor will also determine if the individual has any other disorders such as anxiety, depressive disorder, or a learning difficulty.
If you are having difficulty getting an assessment through the NHS or other services, ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. Many of the patients who have tried accessing the NHS for an assessment report long waiting times, so a private option may be worth considering.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for adult ADHD
Discuss with your doctor about your symptoms and your goals. If your ADHD is affecting your relationships with your friends and colleagues, you might be interested in classes or therapy that focuses on communication skills. Similarly, if you forget appointments or frequently miss deadlines, you should talk to your doctor about these issues and explain how they've affected your life and work.
You will most likely choose a specialist who is a psychiatrist, neurologist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD in adults. You could be referred to cognitive-behavioural therapy.
In addition to conducting a structured interview, the therapist will ask you to give instances of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. They will also ask about your personal history, particularly your childhood. This is because to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have shown signs of the disorder during your the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). This part of the evaluation is challenging for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD who don't recall or minimize their symptoms as children.
Bring any documents or information from your school or work. This will assist the evaluator determine the most accurate diagnosis. They can also speak with your supervisors, colleagues or teachers to obtain more of a complete picture of your behaviour. They will also go through your medical records to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to ADHD.