ADHD Assessment For Adults - What to Expect
Your primary care physician or support group for adults suffering from ADHD can recommend a certified health care professional who performs these tests. You can also look up your health insurance company's online directory for specialists.
Typically, an assessment takes about one to three hours. It starts with a thorough discussion about your work, family, and personal history.
What to Expect
If you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from ADHD, it is important to first take the first step to see an expert. Your GP might inquire about your symptoms and ask about the history of your family, but they cannot diagnose ADHD. Instead, they'll have to refer you to a mental health professional typically a psychologist for an ADHD assessment.
The initial assessment is the longest and most complex part of the process and can take up to several hours. During the interview, you'll be asked a series of questions about your past and current behaviour. The doctor will also inquire you about your past and current relationships. The interview will determine if you are in compliance with the ADHD criteria as defined by the Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD you must prove that your symptoms cause impairment in at least two settings in your life. This could be at home, at work or in your social life. Examples of impairment could include being unable to keep working, having a difficult time maintaining a healthy relationship or having financial issues because of impulsive purchases.
Based on the specific situation the doctor could also conduct tests that are neuropsychological or psychological. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they do provide important information about the ways that ADHD affects you. These tests can also be used to identify other conditions that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and collect your medical history before or during the assessment. This will help them identify any other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorders. They will need to know about any previous mental or medical diagnosis, as some can appear similar to ADHD.
During the Evaluation
An ADHD evaluation is a conversation with an expert in mental health and can also include questionnaires that the patient has to fill out. It may also involve an interview with an important family member or other. This is beneficial in that the person might not be aware that their issues can be causing problems for other people. It can also be used to determine any co-occurring mental health conditions that require treatment.
Adults may find it difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD particularly if they are older and have a number of obligations. However, getting a diagnosis as an adult isn't only possible, but it can significantly enhance your life. A diagnosis can help you understand that hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are not caused by a lack of effort or personal shortcomings or a neurological disorder.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you or your child should have symptomatic behavior in at minimum two environments (home school, work,) that result in major impairment. Some of these symptoms must have been present from the beginning of childhood, and can't be explained by another disorder.
As part of the process of evaluation, a physical exam is usually suggested. Some medical conditions (such seizures and thyroid issues) disorders) can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A physical exam can help the evaluator to rule out any other causes for the symptoms.
The evaluator will review the patient's medical history and mental health symptoms. The evaluator will also discuss the patient's lifestyle, and assess how symptoms affect everyday functioning. It is often helpful for an evaluator if they talk to people who are familiar with the patient, like family members or coworkers.
The evaluator uses the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition in order to determine a diagnose. They will ask the person to explain the symptoms they experience in detail, and also how they interfere with their ability to function. They will also look at whether there exist any mental health conditions that need to be treated, such as depression or anxiety.
Follow-up
After the ADHD assessment is completed, a treatment program can be developed. This usually includes psychotherapy and medication. It is important to keep in mind that it may take a while to find the correct dosage of medication and also to see the results of therapy. Thus the most important thing you can do during treatment is to stick to it! During one-on-one sessions, it is important to be honest and open with your psychiatrist. This will ensure you receive the best possible care.
You will be asked to complete a series pre-screening questions before meeting with your psychiatrist. They are available on your portal dashboard and must be completed prior to your appointment. This will help to reduce the length of your consultation and make sure that your evaluator is able to meet with you as soon as possible.
In the initial session in person, the evaluator will review your medical history and perform an examination. Based on the individual the exam may also include a hearing and vision screening. This is to rule out any medical causes for the presenting symptoms.
The next step is a detailed interview that can last between one and three hours. This gives the patient to discuss their health issues in detail with the evaluator, and discuss how they affect their daily life. The evaluator could inquire about a variety of topics including relationships, work, school, sleep patterns, and eating habits. The evaluator might also want to speak with people who are close to the patient, like their spouses, parents or siblings, teachers, coaches and daycare providers. This provides data that is not available through self-report surveys and allows the evaluator confirm the presence of ADHD symptoms as well as to determine their severity and extent of their impact on functioning.
The evaluator will then perform an examination that looks at several areas associated with the disorder, such as restlessness, inattention, and impulse control. The evaluator can also inquire about the symptoms in different situations and under various stressors. ADHD can manifest differently in different situations.
After the Evaluation
The doctor will note down your symptoms when you describe your symptoms and will be able to answer questions. The evaluation could last up to three hours, and may include multiple meetings or questionnaires. You will be asked some medical information including your family history of health problems and current medication. This will allow the evaluator to determine if your symptoms may be caused by something else.
You might have to fill out ADHD rating scales or behavioral questionnaires. The evaluator will also go over your medical history and perform an examination. It is important to exclude other medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder.
The evaluation will also speak to people who know you well, including teachers and colleagues. These interviews will allow the evaluator to understand how your symptoms affect you at school or work. It is important to be honest and open about your symptoms and how they impact you and others.
The evaluator then will prepare a detailed report for you to read. They will outline their findings and a possible diagnosis. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss ongoing treatment and support with you. If adult adhd assessments to determine that you suffer from ADHD they will talk about other psychiatric issues and suggest ways to help.
It can be a daunting procedure to obtain an ADHD evaluation, especially when you are an adult. It can be particularly difficult if you have been denied a diagnosis in the past, as many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like.
But, it's never too late to get an ADHD assessment. A diagnosis can assist you in seeking treatment if you've struggled for a long time. It can also help to build stronger relationships with your family members. You can learn more about the symptoms and signs of ADHD on our website and download an informational letter from ADHD UK to present to your GP.