How to Get Tested For ADHD

Getting tested for ADHD isn't easy. You can make the process easier by following certain steps.

The first step is to find an expert. Ask your doctor or family members for recommendations. Find out what the charges are for potential specialists and check their credentials.

1. Talk with your doctor

Your primary care doctor can help you make sense of your symptoms, and can refer you to a mental health professional. It's also a good idea to ask for recommendations from therapists and friends whom you are comfortable with.

It is important to get an assessment for children and adults. ADHD symptoms can cause problems at work as well as at home and at school. Many people find medication helpful for ADHD. However therapy can be extremely beneficial. If you do not have a diagnosis, you won't be able to access the treatment that could simplify your life.

The evaluation will ask you about your symptoms, family history, and medical history. They will also likely use a rating system that lists behaviors common to those who suffer from ADHD. They might ask a friend or relative to fill it out prior to your appointment, or have you fill it out during the examination. They will probably be looking for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms- things like depression and anxiety.

When you speak to your evaluator, you must be honest with your evaluation partner. It can be difficult to admit that you or your child is having trouble paying attention or controlling their emotions, particularly when those characteristics are viewed as "bad." But you'll likely feel better when you receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional.

The person conducting the evaluation will likely want to review the medical history of your or theirs which includes previous physical examinations, blood tests, and eye tests. They may also look at reports from the early stages of the child's education and inquire about their experiences with their teachers.

If you or your child meets the basic criteria for having ADHD the assessor will likely suggest other tests to rule out medical issues. They might also recommend a psychiatric examination to rule out other disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, which can sometimes look like ADHD.

The person who evaluated your test will discuss the results and offers suggestions on how to help. They will provide you with the results in a paper copy. If they don't, you can request that they forward it to you. The evaluator is guided by the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Society's massive book, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

2. Get a recommendation

It's best to get an appointment with a doctor or a professional who is specialized in ADHD assessment. You can ask your primary care physician (PCP) for advice or find an expert through your health insurance company's online directory. Psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are all qualified to conduct ADHD assessments, however some have specialized training to work with children or adults with ADHD.

You can also try asking friends, family members or co-workers who have ADHD about their experiences with an expert. They may recommend an online therapy program like BetterHelp or a therapy provider they trust. Its experts will connect you with a qualified licensed therapist within 48 hours.

It is important to select an expert who's approach is compatible with your individual preferences and comfort level. Look up their credentials on your own and then check if your health insurance will cover their services.

The first step in determining whether you or your child suffer from ADHD is an interview with the healthcare professional conducting the assessment. They will ask you questions about your medical background, family history, school and work performance, and symptoms. You or your child may be asked to fill out the rating scale which is a list of behaviors that are common among people with ADHD. The healthcare professional may also want to talk to people who know you well- such as your spouse, or other family members close to you as well as teachers and coaches- to learn more about the issues you've experienced.

If your healthcare professional suspects that you have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will ask about any symptoms you've had since your childhood. It is believed that ADHD can only develop during adulthood. Therefore, the specialist will inquire about any symptoms you might have experienced as a child.

The expert will then utilize their own experience and research to conduct an extensive ADHD assessment. They will probably conduct a medical interview to gather your or your child's family and medical history. They may also conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests can help differentiate between ADHD and other conditions with similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

3. Take the test

There is no single test that can tell whether your child or you suffer from ADHD. Doctors employ a mix of physical exams, questionnaires and tests for behavior. Your child or you may be asked to describe symptoms that interfere with your daily activities. Your doctor might use a different approach to screening children than adults because of the differences in their ages and developmental stages.

During the exam, your doctor will inquire if you or any of your children have had other mental health issues. They may also inquire about your family history and whether anyone in your family has ADHD. They'll inquire about the effects of your child's behavior or your own at home, at school or at work. They might ask if either you or your child often loses track of time, has trouble remembering details, or is unable to remember appointments.

Doctors can also inquire about any past traumas you or your child have experienced and if there are concerns about alcohol or drug abuse. They will also ask your child about their social and emotional skills. They might ask about your or your child's relationships with other children and if they are often impulsive or quick to act without thinking.

A person might be diagnosed with ADHD if they display at least six of the nine symptoms for the hyperactive/impulsive type or four of the nine symptoms for the inattentive type over the last six months. These symptoms must interfere with daily functioning.

You can take an online ADHD test to determine if you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate this condition. These tests can be beneficial, but they can't replace the need for a medical diagnosis. They can be misleading and can give a false impression of your symptoms or those of your child.

4. Get a diagnosis

To get a diagnosis, your health care provider will want to know about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll also want to know about your family history of ADHD and if you have a personal history with anxiety or depression. They'll likely refer you to a mental health professional or psychiatrist to help make an evaluation.

The first step is finding an expert in diagnosing ADHD. female adhd test free may provide some suggestions, or consult a relative or a friend for a recommendation. Many of the mental health professionals who test children for ADHD are also able to evaluate adults as well. Once you've identified a specialist, they will conduct a lengthy clinical interview, and may employ questionnaires, rating scales or brain scans. The expert will ask you about the school performance of your child. They might be able to talk to their teachers. They will ask for old report cards so that they can examine patterns of behavior and trends.

To be considered to have ADD or ADHD, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and must occur in a variety of settings such as school, work and at home. In order to get a combined type of ADHD, a person must have at least six symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.

An ADHD evaluation can bring relief for parents, particularly in the event that they feel their child is struggling at school or at the home due to their inattention and impulsivity. It is crucial that you or your child is honest with the professional conducting the evaluation. They can then suggest ways to improve the situation.


Medication is the most popular treatment for ADHD. There are many types of medications available, and your doctor will assist you in deciding which one is the best option for your child. Another option is to talk to an professional. Some online therapists like BetterHelp provide online assessments for free. They can match you with a therapist experienced in your field within 48 hours.