If you find yourself unable to sit still, constantly fidgeting, or having a hard time concentrating or focusing on tasks, you may start to question if there’s a larger issue at hand.
You may have gone through your entire life thinking this is just your personality, but as you sit at work or near family and friends, you can’t help but feel like something else is going on.
You may have even researched what some of these signs and symptoms mean. All of your studying has led you to one place: ADHD.
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s a condition that is most commonly found in childhood but can last through adulthood. If you were never tested as a child, you may be wondering what the testing looks like now that you’re an adult. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and plan for it.
This is what happens during ADHD testing for adults.
Information Gathering
The first step of ADHD testing involves working with a licensed and trained mental health professional. They will help uncover necessary information about your past and present self to determine if it lines up with ADHD. They’ll ask you about the symptoms you are dealing with, any challenges that you may be facing, and how these are impacting your daily life and routine. You’ll also chat through your personal medical history, your families, and any difficulties you may have experienced during your childhood.
Standardized Assessments
There are standardized assessments like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) or the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV that you may be asked to complete. These tests work to assess any behaviors or symptoms of ADHD. In addition to having you take these assessments or conduct rating scales, a mental health professional may also work with your family or friends. This allows them to get a larger and clearer perspective on your actions, behaviors, and symptoms.
Differential Diagnosis
While your mental health professional is working to diagnose you, they’ll work to rule out other conditions. Several conditions can look similar to ADHD. These conditions could include anxiety, depression, or even substance use. The differential diagnosis can be performed through a physical exam or cognitive testing.
Diagnosis
An ADHD diagnosis is based on criteria that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show at least five of the established ADHD behaviors. These five behaviors must show up in one of the categories of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least six months. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional will work with you to come up with a treatment plan and next steps. This treatment plan could include therapy, taking medication, or a combination of the two.
Next Steps
Contrary to popular belief, ADHD testing isn’t only for children. Both children and adults can exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD is typically a three-step process. The first step is identifying which signs and symptoms of ADHD are present. The second step involves ruling out any alternative causes of the behaviors and symptoms a person is experiencing, and the third step is identifying the presence of other types of disorders, including those that can mimic or exacerbate ADHD.
If the thought of taking an ADHD screening and testing for ADHD seems a bit scary, you’re not alone. Just keep in mind that ADHD is an extremely common and treatable condition. If you’re interested in learning more about ADHD testing and determining if ADHD is impacting you and your life, reach out today to set up an initial consultation.