How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult A person can be diagnosed with ADHD when they exhibit symptoms that last for a prolonged period of time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The doctor will take into consideration the impact on family members and friends as well. The person who is conducting the evaluation might ask for any records from your childhood that might aid them in understanding how you've been struggling. They could also request questionnaires from your family and close friends. 1. Book an appointment with Your GP Scheduling an appointment with your GP is the first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a medical specialist who is specialized in ADHD assessments for adults. During the interview the health care professional will ask you questions about your health issues and how they affect your daily routine. They will also ask you about your family and personal history. It is important to be honest, especially if you are experiencing major problems at home or at work because of your symptoms. You might be required to complete questionnaires by your health care provider for your spouse or family members to gain more insight into your symptoms. In addition to the symptom evaluation your doctor is likely to conduct psychological and physical tests. These will help them rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression and anxiety. You may also be given tests that measure your academic performance. It is essential to bring your school report cards or any other school records with you to the evaluation. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty recalling specific details from their childhood. You might also be asked to complete an retrospective ADHD Profile, which involves interviewing someone who has a good understanding of your childhood and the impact it had on your adult life. This is not intended to question your honesty; it is simply a way to provide additional information regarding your issues. 2. Ask your GP to refer you to an expert A specialist in ADHD can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. A doctor may prescribe medication in the event that you require it. Be honest when you talk with a specialist about your issues and how they affect your life. They may also want to speak with your family members or your friends. They could offer a new perspective on your issues and might uncover things that you didn't consider. You will be asked to talk about your childhood. The specialist might require you to bring in report cards from your school days as well as other records pertinent to your case. Some specialists may want to interview your teachers, parents or any other person who can provide information about the behavior of your child. Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to stress and frustration and can exacerbate these conditions. Your mental health professional may recommend you to counsellors who can assist with your anxiety and depression, or to an expert therapist who specializes in adult ADHD. You can also look for an ADHD support group in your area and ask members there for recommendations. You can also call the local hospital of your university or a graduate school in psychology for recommendations. 3. Have your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist If you have a medical insurance policy, ask your family doctor to recommend you to a health care professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact an institution in your area that offers graduate programs in clinical psychology and ask them to recommend a person. You might be required to pay a fee, but the assessment will be closely supervised by a clinician. A psychiatrist is a medical professional who treats brain disorders. They can prescribe medications for ADHD or other ailments. They can help you manage your symptoms by providing counseling and other life skills. They can also aid you in finding a support system. They're expensive, but they have an excellent level of expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD. You can also talk to a nurse practitioner who is a different kind of healthcare professional that can help with mental health issues. They are often called psychiatric mental health nurses and they can diagnose and treat ADHD. They can also prescribe medications but they aren't qualified to offer counseling. You can also see neurologists, which is a doctor that specializes in the brain and central nervous system. They can determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety disorder or depression. They can also schedule MRI tests if required. 4. Ask your GP for an appointment with psychologists. You can request your GP for a referral to psychologists, psychiatrists or other mental health professionals who specialize in adult ADHD. It's best to try to locate a specialist in your area who is familiar with the condition, but it may take some time. You can ask your friends or family members if they know of any specialists in the local area, and you may also search the internet for doctors who specialise in adult ADHD. You can also reach out to any mental health or wellbeing center that offers ADHD assessments. They'll likely have the names of specialists who are available. The first step to be diagnosed with ADHD is a detailed interview that explores your symptoms and the effects they affect your life even when you were younger. The psychologist or psychiatrist uses an established set of diagnostic criteria to determine whether you have ADHD. If they suspect that you have it they will refer you to a cognitive behavioural psychologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication. Many universities offer doctoral in clinical psychology programs, and they have clinics that offer free or at a low cost ADHD evaluations for graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a student who is closely supervised by a professional, so you can rest assured that you're getting the most comprehensive assessment you can get. This can be a great option for adults who don't want to wait years for an official diagnosis. 5. Ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive-behavioural therapist A thorough examination by a medical professional is required to diagnose ADHD. This involves physical examination as well as an interview to see how the symptoms impact a person's life. It is also crucial to determine whether the person suffers from other mental health issues that may share some of the similar symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression. During the interview the specialist will ask the person about their past history of issues with attention and mental health issues. The specialist will look at the person's family, school and work history to understand how they operate. It is important that the person being assessed be open about their issues. They should not hide their struggles due to shame or embarrassment. To get a diagnosis of ADHD, adults or children must have at least five established ADHD behaviors in the categories of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity for six months or longer. The specialist will also look into whether the symptoms are disruptive to the person's daily life and they result in impairment in their functioning. The specialist will determine if the patient is suffering from any other disorder such as anxiety, depressive disorder, or a learning difficulty. If you are having difficulty getting an assessment from the NHS Try asking your GP for a referral to a cognitive behavioural therapist who specialises in adult ADHD. Many people who have tried to access the NHS have experienced long wait times which is why a private-run assessment might be worth a look. 6. Ask http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ to refer you to a specialist for adult ADHD Once you've identified a specialist, speak to them about how your symptoms impact your life and what your goals are. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with family members and colleagues, you might be interested in therapy or classes that focus on communication skills. If you are prone to forgetting appointments or deadlines, be honest with your doctor about the effects these issues have had on your professional and personal life. The doctor you choose will likely be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist that specializes in adult ADHD. You could be referred to cognitive-behavioural therapists. In addition to conducting an organized interview, the specialist will ask you to give instances of your symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also ask you about your past, especially your childhood. This is because, to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have displayed signs of the disorder during your the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Many adults suffering from ADHD don't remember showing any symptoms or downplay them as children, so this part of the assessment could be a challenge. If possible, you should bring a list of your current symptoms along with any documentation from your school or workplace. This will assist the evaluator make an accurate diagnosis. They can also ask your coworkers or supervisors to give them a better picture of your behavior. They will also go through your medical records to determine if you have any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to ADHD.