ADHD Assessment For Adults - What to Expect
Your primary care physician or support group for adults with ADHD can recommend a certified health care professional to conduct these evaluations. You can also search the health insurance plan's online directory of specialists.
Typically, an assessment takes about one to three hours. It starts with a thorough discussion about your work, family and personal life.
What to Expect
If you think you or someone in your family might have ADHD, it is important to first take the first step and visit a doctor. Your GP might ask about your symptoms and inquire about the history of your family, but they cannot diagnose ADHD. Instead, they'll need to refer you to a mental health specialist typically a psychologist for an ADHD assessment.
The initial assessment is the longest and most complex portion of the process and can last for several hours. In this assessment the clinician will ask you a series of standardized questions about your behavior in the present and in the past. The clinician will also ask you about your current and past relationships. The aim of the interview is to determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD as defined by the Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
To be able to be diagnosed as having ADHD You will need to show that your symptoms cause impairment in at least two different settings in your daily life. This could be at home, at work or in your social life. A few examples of impairment are being unable to keep an occupation, having a difficult time maintaining a healthy relationship or having financial issues because of impulsive purchases.
Based on your specific situation, your doctor will also likely carry out certain neuropsychological or psychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how ADHD affects your life. These tests can also be used to identify other conditions that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
Your GP will conduct a physical examination and take a medical history prior to or during the examination. This will allow them to rule out any other medical issues that could be responsible for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorders. They will also need to be aware of any prior medical or psychiatric diagnosis you have had, since some of them may look a lot like ADHD and could have been incorrectly diagnosed.
During the Evaluation
An ADHD evaluation is a dialogue with an expert in mental health care and may include questionnaires that the patient has to fill out. It may also involve an interview with the family member or significant other. This can be beneficial, since the person might not realize how often their symptoms can cause problems for others. It can also be used to determine any co-occurring mental health conditions which need to receive treatment.
Adults may be frightened to be diagnosed with ADHD, especially when they are older and have a number of responsibilities. However, being diagnosed as an adult isn't just possible, it can significantly improve your quality of life. A diagnosis helps you understand that the inattention or hyperactivity aren't due to personal issue or a result of inefficiency, but that there is an underlying neurological issue that causes them.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you or your child must exhibit a symptomatic behavior in at least two settings (home school, work,) that result in major impairment. These symptoms must have been present since the early years of childhood and cannot be explained by other disorder.
A physical exam is usually suggested as part of the evaluation process, as some medical conditions (such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders) can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The physical exam helps the evaluator rule out other illnesses that could be responsible for the symptoms.
The evaluator will examine the patient's medical history and psychiatric symptoms. The evaluator will also discuss the person's personal situation and determine how symptoms affect everyday functioning. It is often beneficial for an evaluator when they speak to people who know the patient, for example family members or coworkers.
The evaluator will apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. They will ask the patient to explain in detail their symptoms and how they impact the person's functioning. Read the Full Report will also consider whether there any mental health issues that require treatment, such as depression or anxiety.
Follow-up
Once an ADHD evaluation has been completed, a treatment plan can be created. This may include medication and psychotherapy. It is important to keep in mind that it may take a while to establish the proper dosage of medication and also to see the effects of therapy. Therefore, the most important thing to do during treatment is to stick with it! It is crucial to be open and honest with your psychiatrist during one-on-one sessions. This will ensure you receive the best care possible.
You will be asked to complete an array of pre-screening questions prior to meeting with the psychiatrist. These are available on your portal dashboard and should be filled out in advance of your appointment. This will reduce the time needed for your consultation and to make sure that your evaluator is able to meet with you as quickly as possible.
The evaluator will conduct an examination of your body and examine your medical history during the first in-person session. Based on the individual the exam may also include a hearing and vision screening. This is done to determine if there is a medical cause of the symptoms.
The next important step is an in-depth interview that can last anywhere from one to three hours. The patient is able to discuss their symptoms with the evaluator in depth and describe how these symptoms affect their daily life. The evaluator will inquire about various issues, such as relationships and work, school as well as sleep patterns and eating habits. The evaluator may also want to interview others in the patient's life like parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, and daycare providers. This provides information that is not obtainable from self-report questionnaires and helps the examiner to confirm the presence of ADHD symptoms as well as to determine their severity and the extent of their impact on functioning.
The evaluator will then conduct an examination that examines various areas related to the condition, such as inattention, restlessness and impulse control. The evaluator will also ask questions about how symptoms present in different settings and under various stressors, since ADHD can manifest differently in different circumstances.
After the Evaluation
Your doctor will take notes when you describe your symptoms and respond to questions. This portion of the exam usually lasts between one to three hours and may require multiple appointments or questionnaires. You will also be asked to provide certain medical information, such as the family history of health issues and your current medication. This will help the evaluator to determine if you are suffering from symptoms related to something else.
You may have to fill out ADHD rating scales or behavioral questionnaires. The evaluator will also go over your medical history and conduct an examination. It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions, like seizures or thyroid issues which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The evaluater will also talk to people who know you well, like teachers and coworkers. These interviews will allow the evaluator better understanding of how your symptoms affect you at work or school. It is important to be open about your symptoms and how they affect the people around you as well as you.
Once the evaluator has gathered all this information, they will prepare the report for you. They will outline their findings and suggest a diagnosis. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD, they will consult with you about ongoing treatment and support. If they don't discover that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss with you about any other psychiatric issues and suggest ways to assist.
It can be a difficult process to get an ADHD assessment, particularly when you are an adult. It can be particularly difficult to get an assessment in the past due to the fact that many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be.
But, it's never too late to get an ADHD assessment. If you have been struggling for years the diagnosis could give you the confidence and knowledge you need to seek treatment. It can also help improve relationships with family members. You can find out more about the symptoms and signs of ADHD on our website. You can also download an informational letter from ADHD UK to present to your GP.