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ADHD Assessment For Adults – What to Expect You can request a referral from your primary care doctor or a support group of adults with ADHD to an experienced health professional who is qualified to conduct these tests. You can also check your health insurance plan's online directory of specialists. Typically, an assessment takes approximately one to three hours. The test begins with a thorough interview about your family's background, work experience and personal life. What to Expect It is crucial to visit your doctor if you think you or someone in your family suffers from ADHD. Your GP might inquire about your symptoms, and ask about your family history, but they are not able to diagnose ADHD. Instead, they'll have to refer you to a mental health specialist, typically a psychologist, to conduct an ADHD assessment. The initial assessment may take several hours. During the interview, you will be asked a series of standard questions about your past and current behaviour. They will also ask about your relationships and any issues you've had in the past. The goal of the interview is to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD according to the Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. You'll need to show that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two or more aspects of your life. This could be at home, at work or in your social life. Examples of impairment could 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, your doctor will likely also perform certain neuropsychological or psychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however, they do provide valuable information on the ways in which your ADHD affects you. They can also help rule out the presence of other conditions that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression. Before or during the exam your doctor will need to conduct a physical examination and collect your medical history. This will allow them to determine if there are any other medical conditions which could be responsible for your symptoms, for example, seizure or thyroid disorders. They will need to know about any previous mental or medical diagnoses because some of them may look like ADHD. During the Evaluation An ADHD evaluation is a dialogue with an expert in mental health care and can also include questionnaires for the patient to complete. It may also involve an interview with the family member or significant other. This can be beneficial, since the person might not be aware of how frequently their symptoms cause problems for others. It could also help the person being evaluated to determine any comorbid mental health issues that need to be addressed through treatment. Adults may find it difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD, especially if they are older and have a number of responsibility. However, getting a diagnosis as an adult is not only feasible, but can significantly enhance your life. A diagnosis can help you understand that hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity aren't due to a lack of effort or personal shortcomings or an illness of the nervous system. Your child or you may need to exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and at work) that cause significant impairment. Some of these symptoms are present since childhood, and can't be explained by any other disorder. A physical exam is usually recommended as part of the evaluation process, as certain medical ailments (such as seizure disorders and thyroid issues) can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The physical exam helps the examiner to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. The examiner will look at the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric symptoms. The evaluator will also talk about a person's life situation, and determine the extent to which symptoms impact everyday functioning. It is usually beneficial for the evaluator to ensure that they talk to people who know the patient, like friends or family members. The evaluator will apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to establish the diagnosis. They will ask the person to explain their symptoms in detail and also how they impact their functioning. I Am Psychiatry UK will also look into whether there are any mental health issues that require treatment, like depression or anxiety. During the Follow-Up After the ADHD evaluation is complete the treatment plan can be developed. In most cases, this will involve both psychotherapy and medication. It is important to keep in mind that it may take time to find the correct medication dosage and to see the effects of therapy. The most important thing you can do is keep on the course of treatment. During one-on-one sessions, it is crucial to be honest and transparent with your psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the best care possible. Before you meet with your psychiatrist Before meeting with the psychiatrist, you will be asked to fill in an array of pre-screening questions. They 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 your evaluator as fast as you can. In the initial in-person consultation, the evaluator will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Depending on the patient the exam may also include a hearing and vision screening. This is done to rule out any medical reasons for the present symptoms. The next important step is an in-depth interview, which may be anywhere between one and three hours. This is an opportunity for the patient to discuss their symptoms in detail with the evaluator and discuss how they affect their daily life. The evaluator will inquire about a wide variety of subjects, including relationships and school, work sleep patterns, eating habits. The evaluator might also want to interview those who are close to the patient, such as their spouses, parents or siblings teachers, coaches, and daycare providers. This information is not accessible from self-reporting questionnaires. It can help the evaluator to confirm the presence of ADHD and determine the severity and extent to which it interferes with functioning. The evaluator then conducts an examination that looks at several areas associated with the disorder, including restlessness, inattention, and impulse control. The evaluator will also ask questions about how the symptoms manifest in different environments and under various stressors as ADHD can appear differently in different situations. After the Evaluation Your doctor will take notes as you describe your symptoms and respond to questions. The evaluation typically takes between one to three hours, and may involve multiple meetings or questionnaires. You will be asked certain medical information, including your family history of health issues and your current medications. This will assist the evaluator determine if your symptoms are caused by something else. You may be asked to fill in ADHD ratings scales or behavioral questions. The evaluator will also review your medical history and do a physical exam. It is important to rule out other medical conditions, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems that may cause symptoms of ADHD. The evaluater will also talk to people who know you well, including teachers and colleagues. These interviews will assist the evaluator in understanding the way your symptoms affect your work or school. It is crucial to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact you and those around you. The evaluator will then prepare an elaborate report for you. They will describe their findings and suggest a diagnosis. If they conclude that you are suffering from ADHD, they will speak to you about ongoing treatment and support. If they don't discover that you have ADHD, they will talk to your about any other mental health issues and suggest ways to help. It can be a daunting process to get an ADHD evaluation, especially in the case of an adult. It can be especially challenging if you've been denied a previous diagnosis because many medical professionals hold preconceived beliefs about what ADHD looks and sounds like. It's never too late for an ADHD assessment. A diagnosis can assist you in seeking treatment if you've struggled for an extended period of time. It can also help improve relationships with family members. You can find more information about the signs and symptoms of ADHD on our website and download a support letter from ADHD UK to present to your GP.