How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person may be diagnosed with ADHD when they exhibit symptoms that persist for a long period of time and are severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning. The doctor will also take into consideration the impact of ADHD on family members and friends.
The professional who will be conducting the assessment may ask for records from your childhood that might aid them in understanding how you've been struggling. They might also request you to fill out questionnaires with your family members and close associates.
1. Schedule an appointment with your GP
Booking an appointment with your GP is the first step towards being diagnosed with ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ADHD assessments for adult patients.
During the interview your health care provider may ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You will be asked about your family history as well as personal life. It is essential to remain honest, especially if you are experiencing major issues at work or at home because of your symptoms. You might be asked to complete questionnaires by your health care provider for your spouse or other family members to gain more insight into your symptoms.
In addition to the symptom assessment, your health care provider will probably perform psychological and physical tests. These tests will help them identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression and anxiety. They might also offer you an assessment of your academic performance.
It is important that you bring your report cards and any other school records with you to the evaluation. People suffering from ADHD might have trouble recalling specific details from their childhood. You might also be asked to fill out an retrospective ADHD Profile, which involves interviewing someone who knows about your childhood and its impact on your adult life. This is not intended to question your honesty; it's just a way of providing more context about your problems.
2. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist
A specialist in ADHD may be a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. They can teach you 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 meet with a doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. They will probably need to speak with your family members or friends, too. They could offer a new perspective on your problems and may uncover something you hadn't thought of.
You will be asked to write about your childhood. You might be asked to provide your report cards and other documentation from your school years. Some specialists will want to interview parents, teachers or other people who knew you well in your childhood and can provide details about your childhood behaviour.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to stress and frustration, which can worsen these conditions. Your mental health professional can recommend you to counsellors who can assist with depression and anxiety or a therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. You can also look for an ADHD support group in your area and ask the members for recommendations. You can also ask for recommendations from your local university hospital or graduate school of psychology.
3. Ask your GP for a referral to psychiatrist
If you have a medical insurance policy, request your family doctor to refer you to a medical care professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call an institution in your area that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and request a recommendation from them. You may have to pay a fee but the assessment will be closely monitored by a professional.
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who treats brain disorders. They can prescribe medication for ADHD and other disorders. They can help you manage your symptoms through counselling and other life skills. They can also assist you in finding a support system. They're costly however they have the highest degree of expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also see nurse practitioners which is a different type of healthcare professional that can help you with mental health issues. They are also referred to as psychiatric nurses and are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. They may also prescribe medication, but they are not able to provide counselling.
You can also see a neurologist, which is a doctor who has specialized in the brain and the central nervous system. They will determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression. They can also conduct MRI tests if needed.
4. Have your GP to refer you to a psychologist
You can request your GP for the referral to psychologists, psychiatrists or other mental health professionals who specialise in adult ADHD. It is best to find a specialist who has experience with ADHD in the adult area. This may take time. You can ask your friends and family for suggestions of specialists in your area. You can also look online for doctors who specialize in adult ADHD. You can also contact any mental health or wellness center that offers ADHD evaluations. They will likely have the names of specialists who are available.
The first step to get diagnosed with ADHD is a detailed interview that explores your symptoms and the impact they affect your life even when you were younger. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then apply a set of diagnostic criteria to assess whether you have ADHD. If they suspect you have ADHD, they might refer you to an acupuncturist or a cognitive-behavioural specialist who will prescribe medication.
There are many universities that offer doctoral programs in clinical psychology. These clinics provide ADHD evaluations at no cost or free to graduate students. You will be assessed by an undergraduate student who is closely monitored by an expert. This ensures that you receive the most thorough evaluation possible. This is a great option if you don't want wait long for a diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive-behavioural therapist
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a health care professional. This involves a physical exam and an interview in order to determine the impact of the symptoms on the person's daily life. It's important to determine if the person has other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, that have some of the same symptoms of ADHD.
During the interview, the doctor will ask about the individual's background with attention issues and other mental health issues. The specialist will look at the person's school, work and family history to determine how they perform. It is important that the person being assessed 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 assess if symptoms are disruptive and result in functional impairment. adhd assessment adults will also discuss whether or not the person is suffering from any other disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or a learning disability.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment through the NHS request your GP to recommend you to a cognitive behavioural specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. Many patients who have attempted to access the NHS report long waiting periods which is why a private-run assessment could be worth looking into.
6. Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for adult ADHD
Talk to your specialist about your symptoms and your goals. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with family members and colleagues, you might think about therapy or classes that concentrate on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or often miss deadlines, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about these issues and explain how they've affected your work and personal life.
The specialist you choose is likely to be a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist who is specialized in adult ADHD. You could also be directed to a cognitive behavioural therapy.
In addition to conducting an in-depth interview, the specialist will also ask you to provide specific examples of your symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also ask you about your life in the past, particularly your childhood. This is because, to be considered to have ADHD you must have been able to show signs of the disorder during your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). This part of the test is challenging for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD who don't remember or deny their symptoms as children.
If possible, you should bring an inventory of your current symptoms and any documentation from school or work. This will assist the evaluator make a precise diagnosis. They may also interview your supervisors, colleagues, or teachers to get an accurate picture of your behavior. They will also look over your medical records to determine if you have underlying conditions that may be contributing to ADHD.