How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult
A person can be diagnosed with ADHD when they experience symptoms that last for a prolonged period of time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The doctor will also take into consideration the effects of ADHD on family members and friends.
The professional evaluating you may require documents from your childhood to assist them in understanding the issues you've faced. They might also ask you to complete 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 to getting diagnosed with ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a medical specialist who is specialized in ADHD assessments for adults.
During the interview, your healthcare professional will inquire about your health issues and how they affect your daily routine. They will also inquire about your family and personal history. It is essential to be honest in this process particularly in cases where your symptoms are creating major issues for you at home or at work. Your health care provider might also request questionnaires to your spouse, or other close family members to gain more understanding of your symptoms.
Your health care provider may also conduct psychological and physical tests. These tests can assist your health professional rule out other conditions which may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. You may also be asked to take a a test that measures your academic performance.
People with ADHD are often having a hard recalling specifics from their childhood, so it is crucial to bring report cards or other school records to the assessment. They might also ask you to complete an retrospective ADHD profile in which they speak with someone who knows you well about your childhood behavior and the impact it had on your adult life. This is not to challenge your honesty, but to provide more context regarding your issues.
2. Ask your GP for an appointment with an expert
A specialist in ADHD could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you need medication, your doctor may prescribe it.
Be honest when you talk with a doctor about your concerns and their impact on your life. They may also want to speak with your family members or friends. They may offer a different perspective on your issues and might see things that you've not considered.
You may be asked about your childhood. The specialist might ask you to bring report cards from school days and other relevant records. Some specialists may want to interview your parents, teachers, or other people who can provide information about the behavior of your child.
Adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbidities such as depression and anxiety. Untreated ADHD can lead to chronic anxiety and stress and can exacerbate the symptoms. Your mental health professional could recommend an experienced counselor or therapist who is trained in adult ADHD. You can also request suggestions from an ADHD support group. You can also seek recommendations from your local university hospital or graduate school of psychology.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist
If you have a medical insurance, request your family doctor to recommend you to a health healthcare professional who conducts ADHD assessments for adults. You may also visit a local university that has an advanced program in clinical psychology to request recommendations. You might be required to pay a fee however the assessment will be closely monitored by a clinician.
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain and can diagnose and treat you. 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 aid you in locating a support network. They can be costly however they are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
You can also consult a nurse practitioner who is a different kind of healthcare professional who can help you with mental health issues. They are often referred to as psychiatric mental health nurses and are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. They can prescribe medications however they cannot provide counselling.
You may also see a neurologist, who is a doctor who has specialized in the brain and the central nervous system. They can spot comorbidities and determine whether there are other conditions that cause the symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety disorder or depression. They can also conduct MRI tests if required.
4. Ask your GP for an appointment with a psychologist
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 best to find a specialist in your area who is experienced with the condition, and it may take some time. You can ask friends and family members for suggestions of specialists in your area. You can also look online for doctors that specialize in adult ADHD. You can also contact any mental health or wellness center that offers ADHD assessments. They'll probably have the names of specialists who are available.
The first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD is a detailed interview which focuses on your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life, including when you were younger. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then apply a set of diagnostic criteria to determine if you have ADHD. If they suspect you have ADHD, they will refer you to a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist or psychiatrist who will prescribe medication.
There are many universities that offer doctoral programs in clinical psychology. Their clinics provide ADHD evaluations at no cost or even free to their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a graduate student who is closely monitored by an expert, so you can be confident that you're receiving the most thorough assessment possible. This is a great option for those who you don't want to wait for years to receive an official diagnosis.
5. Ask your GP for an appointment with a cognitive behavioural therapist
A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a health professional. This may include a physical exam and an interview in order to determine how symptoms impact the person's life. It's important to determine if a person is suffering from any other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, that are associated with some of the symptoms with ADHD.
During the interview, the doctor will ask about the individual's past history of attention issues and other mental health issues. The specialist will look at the person's family, education and work history to understand how they operate. It is crucial that the person being evaluated is 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 look into whether the symptoms are disruptive to the person's daily life and they cause functional impairment. The doctor will also determine whether or not the individual has other disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or a learning disability.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment through the NHS request your GP to refer you to a cognitive behavioural specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. Many people who have tried to access the NHS to get an assessment report have experienced lengthy waiting times, therefore it's worth considering.
6. Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist in adult ADHD
Discuss with your doctor about your symptoms and your goals. If your ADHD affects your relationships with your friends and colleagues, then you may wish to consider classes or therapy that focus on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or deadlines, be honest with your doctor about the effects these issues have had on your professional and personal life.
The specialist you choose will likely be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist who specializes in adult ADHD. You may be referred cognitive-behavioural therapy.
In addition to conducting a structured interview, the therapist will also ask you to provide instances of your symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also ask you about your past, specifically your childhood. This is because to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have displayed signs of the disorder in childhood (technically before the age of 12). This part of the test is challenging for a lot of adults with ADHD who aren't able to remember or downplay their symptoms as children.
Bring any documents or information from your work or school. This will allow the evaluator to make a precise diagnosis. They may also ask your colleagues or supervisors to provide them with more details about your behavior. Lastly, private adhd assessment adults will also examine your medical history to determine if there are any underlying conditions that could contribute to your ADHD.