How to Get Tested For address here struggles to stay organized or focused sometimes, but when these issues are serious enough to interfere with work, school, and relationships, it could be time to have a test. Find out more about the evaluation procedure for ADHD.
A health professional uses a multistep evaluation to determine whether someone has symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This includes a medical exam and behavioral evaluation as well as standard tests.
1. Self-assessment
In a self-assessment, you rate your performance on a particular task or activity. You then make plans or goals to improve your performance. Self-assessment is a common practice in many contexts, such as at school and at work. It can be faulty due to a variety of factors. People may overrate their own capabilities more than they do when under pressure. This is especially true of medical students, as students who are highly successful tend to judge themselves more harshly than their peers (see Boud3 for a more detailed discussion of this phenomenon).
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association, a person is only classified as having ADHD when the symptoms have been present for a prolonged period of time and have affected their performance in two different areas of their lives, like at home and in school. The DSM-5-TR also outlines three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined.
People who are primarily inattentive ADHD are unable to concentrate on conversations or tasks or staying organized, and executing instructions, as per the DSM-5-TR. Those with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD act "as if driven by a motor" and have little impulse control, per the DSM-5-TR. They can't remain in one place for very long, and will often interrupt conversations, games, or activities.
In general, doctors conduct clinical interviews, behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether someone has the right criteria to make an assessment of ADHD as per the DSM-5-TR. They may also conduct psychological tests to assess cognitive skills such as executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) or spatial and visual ability. They could also conduct neuropsychological testing, which looks at brain function. This test does not specifically test for ADHD but it can rule-out conditions that are similar to ADHD symptoms, including mood disorders and learning disorders, head injuries, and thyroid problems. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental illnesses, like conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, and anxiety disorders. They may also suffer from other physical issues, such as sleep disorders or digestive issues.
2. Family History
Everyone struggles with staying focused and organized at times. But if the issues are causing serious problems at school, work or at home (such as getting poor grades, losing work or having bills due late) it's a good idea to talk with an expert in mental health regarding getting an evaluation for ADHD.
In general the case, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of symptoms in more than one environment and lasting at least six months. The symptoms must also have begun in childhood, or at the very least, before the age of 12. The person's behavior must be disruptive in the family, professional and social context.
People who suffer from ADHD often have other conditions as well. A psychiatrist or doctor will perform a comprehensive screening to determine if there are other mental disorders that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam is also an integral part of the examination and the physician will check for possible health issues such as hearing and vision problems as well as thyroid disorders that can cause similar symptoms.
A health specialist will examine the medical and family history of a person and may perform urine and blood tests. They will ask a series of questions that are geared to the age of the person, and may also speak with other people such as parents, teachers or babysitters to gather an accurate picture. They employ questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate a person’s symptoms.
ADHD is usually caused by genetics. It's important that family members are included in the process. If a parent is aware of their child's ADHD they should let the school and other caregivers be aware and develop plans to address the issue. Families should also speak with their doctors about how they can assist each other. It's also crucial for adult patients to discuss their previous struggles with hyperactivity and attention as it will aid a doctor in determining if they're a suitable candidate for treatment. It's not uncommon for adults who have suffered from ADHD to endure the challenges into their adulthood.
3. Physical exam
The physical exam is usually comprised of the examination of vital signs like temperature and blood pressure. The doctor might also make contact with specific parts of the body to detect any abnormalities. This could include the head, neck abdominal, feet, knees and hands. The doctor will also examine the patient's eyes, ears and nose to see if there are any signs of illness or injury.
A physical exam can help determine whether the symptoms of ADHD could be related to another medical condition like thyroid dysfunction or diabetes. The doctor will also look at the medical background of the patient and their family. This is important because ADHD can run in families. The doctor will also want to know whether the symptoms of ADHD began before the age of 12.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD the following criteria must be met: The symptoms are present in two or more settings like school, home, or at work. The person's symptoms are debilitating and interfere with daily activities. The symptoms have been present for at least six months and are not caused by another mental disorder like depression or anxiety.
When examining children for the presence of ADHD The doctor will interview the child, their parents, and teachers. This is an essential aspect of the assessment, because it provides the doctor with a an accurate picture of the child's life and behavior.
Some of the questions that are asked during these interviews could be related to academic performance, for example, how long a child is able to concentrate on a task and whether they have difficulty finishing tasks. The doctor may also inquire about emotional issues such as feelings of anxiety and depression that can cause a person to be distracted.
A physical exam could also include imaging studies and laboratory tests. These tests are used to determine if there's any medical conditions responsible for ADHD symptoms, like thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies. It's important for people to locate a specialist who is experienced in the diagnosis of ADHD. Research before selecting the right specialist. Research the professional's academic and certification degrees. Also, speak with other patients and professionals about their experiences with the specialist.
4. Psychological evaluation
A psychological assessment is a comprehensive look at the personality of an individual, their emotional states, behavior patterns and beliefs. It involves a series questions and surveys, as well as clinical observations by the mental health professional conducting the assessment.
A therapist or psychologist might also use questionnaires and rating scales to measure the person's impulsivity, attention and hyperactivity levels. They may also interview the individual as well as family members, school officials as well as teachers and coaches to gain a comprehensive picture of the way in which the person behaves in various settings.
It is essential to select an experienced therapist who has experience working with children suffering from ADHD. It's more beneficial if they have specific training for treating this disorder. A therapist who does not have this experience will not be able to diagnose ADHD and should not attempt to do so. There are a number of various mental health professionals who specialize in working with adolescents and children such as child psychiatrists and pediatric psychologists.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must show symptoms in at least two settings (such as school and home). The symptoms must be severe enough to cause problems in the daily activities. They should have been present for at least 6 months. They cannot be the result of a medical condition such as thyroid disease or seizure disorder.
If a person meets the criteria for diagnosis, they will receive a treatment plan which may include therapy and medication. The use of medication can help manage the symptoms of ADHD however it isn't a cure for the disorder. Therapy can teach the person how to deal with the symptoms and manage them on a day-to-day basis.
A mental health professional could be consulted for an ADHD evaluation in order to determine if a person has this disorder. Self-assessments can be a useful tool, but it is crucial to see an expert for a proper diagnosis. The therapist can then suggest the best course of action that may include medication and/or therapeutic intervention.