How to Prepare for an Adult ADHD Test
Adult ADHD rating scales are designed to identify symptoms that could indicate the disorder. The self-report forms are usually followed by a medical interview with an expert in mental health.
While these self-assessments can help, they cannot give a definitive diagnosis. To ensure that you are able to make a valid diagnosis make sure you ask your primary physician for an appointment with an experienced health professional who is specialized in ADHD evaluations in adults.
What is ADHD?
If you find yourself constantly moving, having trouble sitting still, or having difficulty keeping the track of your phone or keys, it could be time to seek an ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools will help you determine whether your symptoms match those of adult ADHD but the only way to get an assessment is to visit an expert in health care who is specialized in the disorder.
A health professional will look at your lifestyle and personal history, ask questions about your behavior and how it has changed over time and use standardized ratings scales and symptom checklists to help them assess your symptoms. They can also conduct psychological tests to assess your executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning), and visual and spatial skills.
To meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, you must have at least five symptoms in each of the two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and have a negative impact on your daily activities, such as your work or school, your relationships with family and friends, or your most favorite activities. You must also establish that your symptoms can't be explained by a different mental disorder or medical condition like depression or anxiety.
The term "attention deficit" is misleading, as people with ADHD have plenty of focus. They aren't able to keep their attention in the right direction at the appropriate time. This is why they often lose their keys to their car, lose track of the time they spend with a colleague or client, or blurt out an unrelated thought when their concentration is interrupted.
Although some experts believe adults with ADHD symptoms are under-appreciated or overlooked but they are just as serious than any other mental health issue or physical condition. If left untreated, unmanaged ADHD can lead to issues with work, school, relationships, and self-esteem as well as to substance abuse and mood swings. It can also make difficult to manage stress. This may cause someone to act aggressively and emotionally.
Symptoms
The DSM-5 (the professional manual psychiatrists use to diagnose mental illnesses) is the basis for adult ADHD diagnostic criteria. A person must have five or more symptoms in the categories of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and have caused difficulties in various areas of their lives. The impairment can be caused by issues at school or work, frequent arguments with family members, or financial difficulties due to impulsive purchases. The signs and symptoms should not be explained by another mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel ashamed to admit they have an issue. previous should discuss their concerns with a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis. People suffering from ADHD are often very dissatisfied with the difficulties caused by their symptoms, and they can easily develop problems with depression or difficulties sleeping. These comorbidities may cause additional issues or make existing ones worse for people with untreated ADHD.
A mental health professional may ask you about your history with ADHD symptoms such as those that started in your childhood, as well being aware of any current issues. They'll want to know how you've managed your ADHD symptoms including medication and other treatments.
A lot of websites online offer ADHD self-tests or ratings scales that could aid you in determining if your symptoms are similar to those with ADHD, but these aren't diagnostic tools. The only way to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to see an experienced professional.
A good place to start is with your family physician and ask them to recommend you to a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about recommendations for specialists in your area who are experienced with diagnosing ADHD in adults. You might want to consider joining an ADHD support group so that you can meet others who suffer from the disorder. They can help you gain a an understanding of your own challenges.
Diagnosis
It is essential that you or someone you care about is accurately diagnosed by an expert in mental health when you suspect you have ADHD. They can assist you in establishing the right treatment plan to deal with your symptoms. The process of getting an accurate diagnosis can be a long one and require a number of steps. If you are prepared and proactive the process can go much more smoothly. Make a list of all the symptoms and concerns that you or a loved one have. This will ensure all relevant details are included in the evaluation. It can also help to keep a symptom diary, which is a written record of the frequency and duration of your symptoms.
When you first meet with your mental health professional they will go over your medical history and ask about your current symptoms. They will inquire about how long you've been experiencing these symptoms, and what effect they've had on your life. For instance, do you have difficulty keeping jobs due to your inattention or are you having issues with relationships because of your excessive impulsivity? You may want to determine whether you suffer from any medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems or seizures.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have five or more symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must also be present in at least two different settings such as school, work and social activities. The impairment resulting from these symptoms should be severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform in these settings.
To make a diagnosis, your mental health professional typically conducts a clinical interview and psychological assessment. They will use rating systems to measure your symptoms and provide a checklist to assess your functioning. In addition, they could also ask you to complete questionnaires on your family history, educational history, and your daily activities. Based on the requirements of your child, they may suggest neuropsychological tests or learning difficulties.
If applicable your mental health professional might also conduct an interview with your family member. The majority of people with ADHD start to exhibit symptoms in childhood, but they do not get a diagnosis due to the lack of attention from their parents or teachers or a mild version of the disorder, or any other reasons.
Treatment
If you believe that you or someone you know might have ADHD, it's important to discuss symptoms and problems openly and honestly with your healthcare provider. This will ensure that all pertinent information is included in your assessment and that no important details are left out. You can also prepare for your appointment by recording the specific issues and questions you want to ask your physician. You may also want to keep an inventory of symptoms to track how often, how long, and in what circumstances the problem is present.
An in-person interview will be conducted and for teenagers or children it is a time for observation. The therapist will talk about your child's or your child's growth as well as family and health history and will also speak with others, including coaches, teachers and daycare professionals. They will also utilize standardized ratings scales to assess the symptoms and behavior. These questionnaires provide data objective on your child or yourself, by comparing your behavior with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD.
You or your child must show an obvious impairment at the very minimum in two different settings like home and school before you are diagnosed with ADHD. The impairment must be evident for a period of more than six months and it is not ascribed to any other problem such as depression or anxiety. It is also necessary to have an established history of symptoms from childhood, typically prior to age 12.
Adult ADHD is highly treatable. Your doctor might prescribe medication or recommend alternative treatments. In many instances, a combination therapies will enhance the quality of your life and help reduce symptoms. Your doctor may suggest that you visit a therapist or psychiatrist every three to four months to assess your progress, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
You can live a normal life with ADHD. However, the disorder may be a major influence on your relationships and work. If you take an active approach and seeking out the help of skilled professionals, you can overcome challenges and unleash your full potential.