ADHD Assessment | How to Get Assessed for ADHD
Many people are looking for more information about ADHD Assessments. Parents, wanting to help their struggling children. Adults who have been struggling for years, and are starting to suspect that they may have ADHD. It is notoriously hard to diagnose because there is not one single diagnostic test that can definitively diagnose this disorder. But because the symptoms can vary greatly from males to females and between children and adults. Though an ADHD assessment and diagnosis can be life changing.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
There are so many symptoms of ADHD, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms or in the same way. Most notably, males and females experience ADHD quite differently. If someone reaches adulthood without an ADHD diagnosis, the way this disorder presents is very differently then when they were a child. And have a lifetime of compensating for their difficulties, making ADHD assessment harder. A professional will need to be involved in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
The three main ways ADHD presents are: inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, how these types present from one person to the other, between genders and between adults and children is extremely different. There are often several ways each symptom may present, therefore, in a group of people with ADHD, no two people may act the same. Here are some examples of symptoms:
Hyperactivity ADHD Symptoms
Hyperactivity is a great example as it is one of the most noticeable of all symptoms. However, it’s also a symptoms seen mostly in males. They may be unable to be still, get out of their desk for no reason. Running around, chasing classmates or siblings. These children will almost always be involved in sports. In adults, hyperactivity may manifest as constant fidgeting, restlessness, or holding active careers, such as mail delivery, ER nurse, coach, daycare worker and avoid careers that will have them sitting for long periods.
Impulsivity ADHD Symptoms
Impulsivity is a difficult symptom to diagnose, because it looks very different from one person to the other. And in children especially, it can be caused by lack of sleep, or be a part of their ADHD. In children, impulsivity looks like they aren’t thinking before they act, like interrupting conversations, or the teacher during a lesson. They may do unsafe things or act in unsafe ways, seemingly unaware of the consequences, even if they are told what the outcome will be. These children may seem impatient, and have trouble waiting their turn, or act destructively with their, or someone else’s belongings.
Impulsive adults tend to overindulge food, alcohol, shopping or gambling. They may constantly be switching jobs. Their symptoms may get physical when upset, like self harm or destruction of property. In these cases an ADHD assessment can be extremely beneficial, as it will give them answers and a treatment plan.
Inattention ADHD Symptoms
Inattention is definitely the most difficult symptom to diagnose because it is not as noticeable. Since the symptoms aren’t disruptive at home or school, they’re less likely to be noticed, and don’t get the attention they need to be diagnosed. Females are often the most likely to have inattentive symptoms. Symptoms can look like daydreaming, being forgetful or losing important things. They appear disorganized, unable to follow directions or complete tasks. These children may be called lazy, daydreamers or accused of not applying themselves, and that with care and attention, the problems will go away. This causes the self esteem issues and masking they will carry into adulthood.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in adulthood looks like a tendency to be late, low self esteem – from being told they need to try harder or apply themselves. Multitasking without completing tasks, forgetting to pay bills, or take medication. They lose train of thought during conversations. People with undiagnosed inattentive ADHD will develop strategies to overcome challenges, like making lists, using post it notes everywhere, setting several alarms on their phone to remind them what they need to do throughout the day. This is the masking an undiagnosed child takes into adulthood.
ADHD Assessment | Who Needs ADHD Assessment
Anyone with these symptoms can benefit greatly from an ADHD assessment. Even if ADHD is ruled out, other causes can be considered. Commonly, adults get an ADHD assessment after their child is diagnosed. Recognizing the similarities between their child and themselves. Anyone who suspects that they may be struggling with this disorder should definitely see a practitioner, such as Clarke Psychology in Edmonton to get an assessment.
Finding A Mental Health Practitioner
While doctors are knowledgeable about this disorder, and they have your medical history, doctors often prefer referring to an expert in mental health. They help you find the right mental health professional who will implement testing. Such Clarke Psychology in Edmonton. Dr. Kelly Clarke has not only a wealth of experience, but years of education and training to complete the ADHD assessment, and create a treatment plan.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed
Unfortunately, there is not a single test to diagnose ADHD. The first part of the ADHD assessment will be a physical exam and health history. This will rule out medical problems potentially causing the symptoms. Next, they will ask those who interact most with the patient about their behavior, to gain insight to the patient. From family members, teachers, coaches, babysitters, or for adult patients, coworkers, friends, spouse. Finally, they will implement behavioral and psychological tests.
What To Do Next
If the ADHD assessment reveals an ADHD diagnosis, there are many treatment options. Various medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mental health therapy or a combination. The patient or parent and the doctor or mental health professional will make the plan together and adjust accordingly. An ADHD diagnosis is simply the way that patients will be able to learn about what they need to move forward and stop struggling. If you are interested in getting an ADHD assessment, Clarke Psychological in Edmonton will be more than happy to help!