How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
People can be diagnosed with ADHD if they have symptoms that last for a long time and are significant enough to affect their daily activities. The specialist will also consider the effects of ADHD on family members and friends.
The professional who will be conducting the assessment may ask for records from your childhood that might help them understand how you've struggled. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires with your family members and close friends.
1. Make an appointment with your GP
The first step to get diagnosed with ADHD is to book an appointment with your GP. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a health professional who specialises in ADHD assessments for adults.
During the interview your health care provider may ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You will be asked questions about your family history as well as your personal life. It is important to be honest during this process particularly in cases where your symptoms are creating significant problems for you at home or at work. You might be asked to complete questionnaires by your health care professional for your spouse or family members to gain more insight into your symptoms.
Your doctor may also conduct psychological and physical tests. These tests will assist your health professional rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms such as depression or anxiety. They might also provide you with an exam to gauge your academic performance.
It is important that you bring your report cards and any other school records for the assessment. People suffering from ADHD may have trouble remembering certain details from their childhood. You may also be asked to complete the retrospective ADHD Profile, which entails interviewing someone who is familiar with your childhood and its impact on your adult life. This is not an attempt to challenge your honesty, but rather to give more context about your issues.
2. Ask your GP for a referral to an expert
A specialist in ADHD can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and increase your quality of life. A doctor can also prescribe medication, should you require it.
When you meet with a specialist, be honest about your concerns and how they impact your life. They may also want to talk to your family members or friends. They can give you another perspective on your difficulties and could uncover things you didn't think of.
You may be asked about your childhood. The specialist may ask you to bring report cards from your school days as well as other records pertinent to your case. Some specialists might want to speak with your parents, teachers or other individuals who can provide information about the behavior of your child.
Adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to experience comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. These problems can be exacerbated by the chronic stress and frustration caused by untreated ADHD and can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. Your mental health professional can refer you to counsellors who can assist with your anxiety and depression or to a therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. You could also find an ADHD support group in your area and ask people there for a recommendation. You can also contact your local hospital at a university or a graduate school in psychology for suggestions.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment with psychiatrist
Ask your family physician should you have medical insurance, to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist. You can also contact an institution in your area that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend a person. 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 brain disorders and can diagnose and treat you. They can prescribe medication for ADHD or other conditions. They can assist you with managing your symptoms by providing counseling and other life skills. They can also help you establish a support network. They can be costly but they are very skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You may also speak with a nurse practitioner who is a different kind of healthcare professional that can help with mental health issues. They are often referred to as mental health nurses for psychiatric reasons and they can diagnose and treat ADHD. They also prescribe medications, but they are not able to provide counseling.
You can also see neurologists, which 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 disorder or depression. They can also arrange MRI tests if required.
4. Ask your GP for the referral to psychologists.
You can request your GP for the referral to a psychologist, a psychiatrist or other mental health professionals who specialize in adult ADHD. It is recommended to find a specialist within your area that is familiar with the condition, and it may take some time. You can ask your friends and family for recommendations of specialists in your area. You can also look online for specialists in adult ADHD. You can also reach out to an a mental health center or wellness center that provides ADHD assessments, and they will likely have a list of specialists available to pick from.
The first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD is to undergo a thorough interview. This will explore your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then employ a set of diagnostic criteria to determine if you suffer from ADHD. If they suspect that you suffer from ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or cognitive-behavioural therapist who can prescribe medication.
There are many universities that offer doctoral programs in clinical psychology. These clinics offer ADHD evaluations at low cost or free to their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a student who is closely supervised by an expert, so you can be sure that you're receiving the most comprehensive assessment you can get. This is a great option for adults who do not want to wait for years to get an official diagnosis.
5. Ask adult adhd assessments to refer you to a cognitive behavioural therapist
A thorough examination by a medical professional is necessary to determine ADHD. This may include a physical exam and an interview to determine how the symptoms impact a person's life. It's also important to identify whether the person suffers from other mental health conditions that could have the similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety or depression.
During the interview, the specialist will ask about the individual's past history of attention issues and other mental health issues. The specialist will examine the person's family history, school and work history to determine how they function. It is important that the person being assessed be honest about their problems. They shouldn't conceal their struggles due to 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 whether the symptoms cause disruption to the person's life and they cause impairment in their functioning. The doctor will also determine if the person has any other disorders like depression, anxiety disorder or a learning problem.
If you are having difficulty getting an assessment via the NHS, ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive behavioural specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. Many people who have tried to access the NHS have reported long waiting times, so a privately-run assessment may be worth considering.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist in adult ADHD
Discuss with your doctor about your issues and goals. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with your friends and colleagues, you might be interested in therapy or classes that concentrate on communication skills. If you frequently forget appointments or deadlines, talk with your doctor and explain the impact these issues have had on your work and personal life.
The person you choose to consult is likely to be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist who specializes in adult ADHD. You may also be advised to consult a cognitive behavioral therapy.
In addition to conducting a structured interview, the doctor will ask you for instances of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. They will also inquire about your personal history, particularly your childhood. This is because to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have been able to show symptoms of the disorder in childhood (technically before age 12). Many people who suffer from ADHD do not remember exhibiting any symptoms or downplay them as children, so this portion of the evaluation isn't easy.
Bring any documents or other information from your school or work. This will help the evaluator to make an accurate diagnosis. They may also talk to your supervisors, coworkers or teachers to obtain an accurate picture of your behavior. They will also review your medical records to determine if there are underlying conditions that may be contributing to ADHD.