ADHD Assessment For Adults - What to Expect
Your primary care physician or a support group for adults with ADHD can suggest a qualified health professional who can perform these evaluations. You can also look up the directory online of your health insurance plan for specialists.
Typically, an assessment takes approximately one to three hours. It begins with a thorough interview about your work, family, and personal life.
What to Expect
It is crucial to visit an expert if you suspect you or someone else in your family has ADHD. Your GP may ask you about your symptoms, and ask about your family history, but they are not able to diagnose ADHD. Instead, they'll need to refer you to a mental health professional usually a psychologist for an ADHD assessment.
The initial assessment is the longest and most complex phase of the procedure and can take up to several hours. During this interview the doctor will ask you a series standardized questions about your behavior in the present and in the past. They will also ask about your relationships as well as any issues you've had in the past. 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 have to show that your symptoms cause impairment in at least two different settings in your life. This could be at the workplace, at home or in your social life. Some examples of impairment include being unable to hold an occupation or having difficulty maintaining a healthy relationship, or slipping into financial trouble due to impulse purchases.
Depending on the situation, the clinician will likely also perform some psychological or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however, they do provide valuable information on the ways that your ADHD affects you. These tests can also be used to rule out other comorbidities like anxiety and depression.
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and take a medical history prior to or during the assessment. This will help them identify any other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, like thyroid or seizure disorders. They will need to know about any previous mental or medical diagnosis, as some can appear like ADHD.
During the Evaluation
An interview with a mental healthcare professional could include questionnaires that patients must complete. It may also involve an interview with the family member or significant other. This can be useful in that the person might not be aware that their symptoms cause problems for others. It can also be used to detect any co-occurring mental health issues that require treatment.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a daunting experience for adults, especially when they're older and have a lot on their plate. However, getting a diagnosis as an adult is not just possible, it can greatly improve your life quality. A diagnosis helps you understand that the inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are not a personal failing or due to lack of effort, and that there is an illness of the brain that is causing them.
Your child or you may be required to display symptomatic behavior in at least two environments (home, school, and work) that cause significant impairment. Several of these symptoms must have been present since childhood, and cannot be explained by any other disorder.
A physical exam is generally recommended as a part of the evaluation process, as certain medical ailments (such as thyroid issues and seizure disorders) can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. A physical exam can help the examiner to rule out other causes for the symptoms.
The examiner will look at the patient's medical history and mental health symptoms. assessment of adult adhd will also discuss the patient's lifestyle, and determine the extent to which symptoms impact the daily activities of the patient. It's usually helpful for the evaluator to talk to those who are familiar with the patient like relatives or coworkers.
The evaluator will use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition in order to determine diagnosis. They will ask the patient to describe in detail their symptoms and how they impact the person's functioning. They will also consider whether there are any comorbid mental health issues that require treatment, such as anxiety or depression.
Follow-up
After the ADHD evaluation is complete, a treatment program can be developed. Often, this will include psychotherapy and medication. It is important to note that it may take a while to establish the proper medication dosage and to see results of therapy. Thus, the most important thing to do during treatment is to stick with it! During the one-on-1 sessions, it's important to be honest and open with your psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.
You will be asked to fill out an array of pre-screening questions prior to meeting with a psychiatrist. These are available on your portal dashboard. Please complete them before your appointment. This will reduce the time of your appointment, and ensure that you meet with your evaluator as quickly as you can.
In the initial session in person the evaluator will go over your medical history and perform a physical exam. Based on the individual it could also include an eye and hearing screening. This is done to rule out medical causes for the presenting symptoms.
The next step is to conduct an in-depth interview, which may last anywhere from one to three hours. This is a chance for the patient to discuss their symptoms in detail with the evaluator and explain how they affect their daily functioning. The evaluator will inquire about a wide variety of topics, including relationships and school, work sleep patterns, eating habits. The evaluator could also decide to talk with other people who are involved in the life of the patient, including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, and daycare providers. This information is not available from self-reporting questionnaires. It assists the evaluator to confirm the presence of ADHD, and determine the extent and severity to which it interferes with functioning.
The evaluator will then perform an examination that will look at various areas that are related to the disorder, such as inattention, restlessness, and impulse control. The evaluator will also ask questions about how symptoms manifest in different environments and under various stressors, as ADHD can appear differently in different settings.
After the Evaluation
When you answer questions and describe your symptoms, the specialist will make notes. This portion of the exam usually takes at least one to three hours, and may require multiple appointments or questionnaires. You may be asked to provide some medical information, including the family history of health issues and your current medication. This will allow the examiner to determine if you are suffering from symptoms related to something else.
You might be required to fill out ADHD ratings scales or behavioral questionnaires. The evaluator could also conduct a physical examination and examine your medical history. It is important to exclude other medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder.
The evaluator might also talk to people who are familiar with you, including teachers and colleagues. These interviews will help the evaluator to better understand the impact of your symptoms on you at work or school. It is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your family and friends.
The evaluator will then write a an extensive report for you. They will present their findings and outline a potential diagnosis. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will consult with you about ongoing treatment and support. If they aren't able to determine that you have ADHD they will discuss other problems with psychiatry and suggest ways to help.
The process of getting an ADHD evaluation can be difficult and a bit scary, especially when you're an adult. It can be particularly difficult if you've been denied prior diagnoses because many medical professionals hold preconceived notions regarding what ADHD appears and sounds like.
It's never too late to take an ADHD assessment. If you have been struggling for a long time an assessment can provide you the confidence and knowledge you need to seek treatment. It can also help strengthen your relationships with your loved ones. You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD on our website. You can also download an official support letter from ADHD UK to present to your GP.