ADHD Assessment For Adults - What to Expect
You can request an appointment from your primary care doctor or a support group of adults with ADHD to a health care professional that is qualified to perform these tests. You can also use the online directory of your health insurance plan for specialists.
Typically, an assessment takes between one and three hours. It starts with an extensive interview about your work, family, and personal history.
What to Expect
It is important to see your doctor if you think you or someone in your family suffers from ADHD. Your GP will talk to you about your symptoms, ask about your family history and inquire about any other comorbidities that you might have, but they are not allowed to diagnose ADHD themselves. Instead, they will need to refer you to a mental health specialist, typically a psychologist, for an ADHD evaluation.
The initial assessment can take several hours. In this assessment the clinician will ask you a series standardized questions about your current and past behaviour. The clinician will also inquire you about your past and present relationships. The interview will determine if you meet the ADHD criteria as defined in the Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association.
To be able to be diagnosed as having ADHD, you will have to show that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two settings within your life. This could be at home, at work or in your social life. Some examples of impairment include being unable to hold an occupation or having difficulty maintaining a healthy relationship, or getting into financial difficulties because of impulsive purchases.
Depending on your situation, your doctor will also likely carry out some psychological or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how ADHD affects your daily life. These tests can also be used to rule out other conditions that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety.
Your GP will conduct a physical examination and will take your medical history before or during the exam. This will help them determine if there are any other medical conditions that could cause symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorders. They will need to know about any previous mental or medical diagnoses, as some can appear like ADHD.
During the Evaluation
An ADHD assessment is a discussion with an expert in mental health care, and can include questionnaires for the patient to fill out. It may also involve an interview with the family member or significant other. This is a good idea, as the person may not realize that their symptoms can be causing problems for other people. It can also help the evaluator determine any comorbid mental health issues that need to be addressed with treatment.
Adults may find it difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD especially when they are older and have a number of responsibilities. A diagnosis can improve your life significantly. A diagnosis can help you understand that the inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity aren't due to personal failing or due to lack of effort, and there is an illness of the brain that is causing them.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you or your child should exhibit a symptomatic behavior in at minimum two environments (home, school, work) that cause significant impairment. The symptoms should have been present since early childhood, and can't be explained by any other disorder.
A physical exam is typically recommended as part of the evaluation, as certain medical ailments (such as seizures and thyroid issues) can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. The physical exam helps the examiner to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
The evaluator will look over the patient's medical and mental history as well as the symptoms they're experiencing. They'll also discuss the patient's current situation and assess the impact of the symptoms on their daily functioning. It is often helpful for an evaluator if they talk to people who know the patient, such as family members or coworkers.
The examiner will use the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to establish the diagnosis. They will ask the person to describe the symptoms they experience in detail, as well as how they interfere with their functioning. They will also look at whether there exist any mental health conditions that require treatment, such as anxiety or depression.
During the Follow-Up
After an ADHD assessment has been completed A treatment plan can be developed. This usually includes medication and psychotherapy. It is important to note that it may take a while to establish the proper dosage of medication and to see the results of therapy. Thus, the most important thing to do is to stay with it! During one-on-one sessions, it's important to be honest and open with your psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the highest quality care possible.
You will be asked to fill in the pre-screening questionnaire prior to meeting with your psychiatrist. These are available on your portal dashboard. Please complete them prior to your appointment. This will reduce the time needed for your consultation and ensure that your evaluator can meet with you as quickly as possible.
The evaluation will include a physical examination and review your medical history at the initial session in person. Based on the individual it could also include an eye and hearing screening. This is done to determine if there is a medical cause of the symptoms.
The next stage is an in-depth assessment, which may be anywhere between one and three hours. This is an opportunity for the patient to discuss their issues in detail with the evaluator and explain how they affect their daily activities. The evaluator will inquire about a wide variety of issues, such as relationships, school, work as well as sleep patterns and eating habits. The evaluator may also want to interview other people in the patient's life including parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, and daycare providers. This information is not available from self-reporting questionnaires. It can help the evaluator confirm the presence of ADHD, and determine the extent and severity to which it affects functioning.
The evaluator will then perform an examination that examines various areas that are that are affected by the disorder, such as inattention, restlessness, as well as impulse control. The examiner will also ask questions about how symptoms manifest in different settings and under various stressors as ADHD can manifest differently in different settings.
After the Evaluation
When you answer the questions and explain your symptoms, the specialist will take notes. The evaluation can take up to three hours, and may involve multiple visits or questionnaires. You may also be asked to provide some medical information, like a family history of health problems and your current medications. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you are suffering from symptoms due to something else.
You may be required to complete ADHD rating scales or behavioral questionnaires. The evaluator will also review your medical history and do physical examination. adhd assessment for adults is crucial to rule out other medical conditions, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The evaluator will also talk to people who know you well, like teachers and colleagues. These interviews will allow the evaluator to better understand how your symptoms affect your school or work. It is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect you and those around you.
The evaluator will then prepare an extensive report for you to read. They will outline their findings and suggest a diagnosis. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss ongoing support and treatment with you. If they don't find that you suffer from ADHD they will speak to you about other psychiatric problems and suggest ways to help.
The process of obtaining an ADHD evaluation can be difficult and a bit scary, especially when you're an adult. It can be particularly difficult if you have been denied an evaluation in the past, because many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like.
It's not too late to seek an ADHD assessment. If you've been struggling for years, a diagnosis can give you the knowledge and confidence that you're in need of treatment. It can also help to strengthen relationships with your family members. On our website you can learn more about the symptoms and signs associated with ADHD. You can also download an acknowledgement letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.