Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11% of children in the United States between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. While the disorder is most commonly associated with children, adults can also be affected by it.
In order to receive treatment for ADHD, it is necessary to obtain an official diagnosis from a qualified professional. Without a diagnosis, it is difficult to access the resources and support that are available to those with ADHD. In this article, we will explore the different steps you should take to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Speak to Your Doctor or Mental Health Professional
The first step in obtaining an official diagnosis for ADHD is to speak to your doctor or another mental health professional. During this meeting, you should identify any symptoms that you have been experiencing and explain why you feel you may have ADHD. It is also important to discuss any potential treatment options that may be available to you.
“It’s important to know that there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD,” explains Dr. Robert P. Kauffman, a clinical psychologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Rather, a doctor or mental health professional will need to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which typically includes interviews with family members, teachers, and other relevant individuals.”
Take an ADHD Self-Assessment
In addition to speaking to a doctor or mental health professional, you may want to consider taking an ADHD self-assessment. Self-assessments are online tools that allow you to answer questions about your symptoms and experiences. They can help you determine whether or not you may have ADHD, as well as provide insights into how your symptoms are affecting your life.
“Self-assessments can be incredibly helpful when it comes to diagnosing ADHD,” says Dr. Kauffman. “They can provide valuable information about your symptoms and experiences that may not be revealed through a standard interview.”
There are a number of resources available for ADHD self-assessments. The National Institute of Mental Health offers a free online self-assessment tool, as does ADDitude magazine. Additionally, there are a number of websites that offer paid self-assessments.
It is important to note that self-assessment results are not intended to replace a professional evaluation. Rather, they should be used to supplement the information gathered by a doctor or mental health professional.
Gather Records of Your Condition
Another important step in obtaining an official diagnosis is to gather records of your condition. These records can include school reports, medical records, and psychological evaluations. They can provide valuable insight into your symptoms and how they have impacted your life.
“Records can be incredibly helpful when it comes to diagnosing ADHD,” explains Dr. Kauffman. “They can provide detailed information about your behavior, academic performance, and social interactions that may not be revealed through a standard interview.”
In some cases, records may be difficult to access. For example, if you attended school in a different state or country, you may have to contact the school district in order to obtain copies of your records. Additionally, if you have had a psychological evaluation, you may have to contact the psychologist or psychiatrist who conducted the evaluation in order to obtain copies of the results.
Have a Physical Exam to Rule Out Medical Conditions
It is also important to have a physical exam to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Therefore, it is important to rule out any potential medical causes before pursuing a diagnosis.
Your doctor can recommend which medical conditions should be tested for. Common tests include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging scans. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend additional tests or refer you to a specialist.
Obtain an Official Diagnosis from a Qualified Professional
Once you have completed all of the necessary steps, you can begin the process of seeking an official diagnosis from a qualified professional. This may be a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. It is important to make sure that the professional you choose has experience diagnosing and treating ADHD.
A qualified professional will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which typically includes interviews with family members, teachers, and other relevant individuals. They will also review any records or assessments that you have gathered. Based on their evaluation, they will determine whether or not you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Conclusion
Obtaining an official diagnosis for ADHD is an important step in accessing the resources and support that are available to those with the disorder. In order to be diagnosed, it is necessary to speak to a doctor or mental health professional, take an ADHD self-assessment, gather records of your condition, and have a physical exam. Finally, you should seek an official diagnosis from a qualified professional.
If you think you may have ADHD, it is important to take action. Seek help from a doctor or mental health professional and take the necessary steps to obtain an official diagnosis. With the right support and resources, living with ADHD can be manageable and even fulfilling.
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