How to Get an Assessment of ADHD
The NHS has an 'Right to Request' program, which means you can request your doctor (GP) to send you to an assessment of ADHD. This is usually quicker than waiting to see a psychiatrist or psychologist.
These tests can be used to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of ADHD however, they do have problems with sensitivity and precision.
Symptoms
It can be difficult to identify adhd symptoms. While everyone experiences difficulty in focusing or staying organized at times the symptoms of ADHD are a lot more extensive and have lasting effects in a variety of areas of life that impact the ability of an individual to perform at a normal level at work and at home. A doctor who performs a psychiatric evaluation will take into account a person's symptoms, how long they have been present and how they impact their daily life. They will also take into account other factors like family history, education level, and environment.
While there are three broad types of ADHD, one of the main diagnostic requirements for an ADHD diagnosis is the presence of significant problems in two or more areas of their lives, including home and school. They also must have a combination of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and the symptoms must be present for at least six months. A healthcare professional will also use their clinical expertise to determine the kind of ADHD.
Inattention ADHD manifests as difficulty paying attention and remaining focused. People with this type of ADHD often make mistakes at work and school often forget things, struggle to complete tasks in time, and are easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or distractions. They are unable to stay focused during conversations or when reading. When they are children, they might often leave their seats in situations where a seated position is required and may be unable to sit still without fidgeting or squirming.
The symptoms of symptoms of ADHD include rapid and dramatic reactions to external stimuli. They tend to blurt out their answers before the question is finished, have difficulty waiting for their turn in an interaction, and are often interrupt other people. In children, they frequently struggle to control their behavior and are unable to stop them from touching things they shouldn't touch. In older adolescents and adults, they are incapable of controlling their behavior and are easily influenced by other people's opinions and wishes.
Adults can utilize a range of self-assessment tests in order to determine whether they have ADHD. The Adult ADHD Symptom Scale and the Women's ADHD Self Assessment Symptom Inventory are two of the tools available. The Women's ADHD Self-Assessment Tool is a tool that was developed by two doctors who specialize in treating females suffering from ADHD. It incorporates some of the particular challenges females face with ADHD. The Adult ADHD Scale is designed to assess the typical impulsive, inattentive and impulsive behaviors that are typical of ADHD.
Family History
Some experts believe that ADHD occurs in families. This is why the doctor will want to know your family background. She may ask if you have other relatives who suffer from ADHD or if any of your siblings have it. She may be interested in knowing if your parents or grandparents were affected in childhood.
Some doctors use self-assessment tools or checklists to determine the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, only a specialist can diagnose the disorder. Specialists in this field can be psychologists or psychiatrists but they could also be nurses, dieticians or social workers. In I Am Psychiatry to using the tools listed above These professionals will also interview you and a person in your life who is familiar with you (spouse, sibling, teacher, parent or coach, or even a nanny for children). They can give you insights that are difficult to gain from questionnaires or self-assessments.
The doctor will look at your behavior in the past and determine whether you are in the right place to be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. In children, this means that you must have six or more symptoms in one of the two main categories -- inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity -- over the past six months. Adults must show five or more symptoms in the past six months. These symptoms should significantly interfere with work, school as well as home and social situations. The symptoms must manifest before the age of 12 and last for at minimum six months to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.
Your doctor may suggest a physical exam, including a hearing and vision screening to rule out medical causes of your symptoms. She will also inquire about your family history, lifestyle, and any current or previous health issues. You may be asked to take an assessment of your personality and a few psychological ones. Some of these tests examine your memory, decision-making abilities, and thinking processes to determine if you have other disorders like depression or anxiety. Other tests test how your brain processes information, such as an exam for neuropsychological disorders. This allows her to identify the root cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment.
Self-Assessment Tools
There are many different questionnaires and scales to use to assess ADHD symptoms. These instruments are quick and simple and can provide an expert with a wealth information when evaluating ADHD.
These ratings can either be done by the person who is doing them or their parents, teachers or another observer like a therapist or clinician. They can assist an expert determine what ADHD symptoms are present and where they occur. They can also be used to detect co-occurring disorders which could be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD.
The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, v1.1, is one of the most frequently used and highly regarded rating scales to diagnose adult ADHD. It is a symptom-based screening tool, and the assessment of ADHD symptoms includes questions assessing inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and comorbidity. It is used to monitor or screen over time, and is usually used in the national and international ADHD Guidelines.
However, even the best rating tools can have limitations. They are susceptible to errors and bias and there are a myriad of reasons that people may screen positively using these tools even when they do not have ADHD. Firstly, it is important to keep in mind that ADHD exists on a continuum and isn't only a list of symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two life domains.
The second is to be aware that rating scales may not be sensitive or specific enough. Sensitivity is the measure of how well an instrument, such as the rating scale, distinguishes between people who have and don't suffer from an illness. Specificity on the other hand is how precise the measure is in identifying people with an illness.
It is important that these scales of rating are reviewed by a professional. This can only be done by trained mental health professionals, such an a psychiatrist or specialist in ADHD. These professionals will inquire about the patient's history of symptoms as well as conduct neuropsychological tests and utilize other methods of assessment like observations and clinical interviews to establish a precise diagnosis of ADHD.
Tests

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief for the person who suffers from it, or their parents. However, it can also be a problem as the disorder is associated with many problems in the world, such as poor school or work performance, strained relationships and strained finances. The condition can even affect the quality of sleeping patterns and could lead to depression, anxiety and weight increase.
In addition to taking a thorough medical history, doctors can use neuropsychological testing to assess the impact of symptoms on the functioning of an individual. This type of assessment typically uses computerized tests to evaluate the performance of an individual in a number of different situations and provide more reliable information than subjective measures alone.
Behavior and symptoms are evaluated using standardized rating scales. Conners Abbreviated Symptoms Questionnaire as well as CBCL are two examples. These rating scales include a series of questions to determine the frequency someone has difficulty sitting still or gets easily distracted. They also ask about the person's tendency to interrupt others, make impulsive mistakes or forget things. The CBCL also includes additional questions on problems at home and on the job.
These questionnaires are standardized and can be administered by anyone who is familiar with the patient. They can be completed in person, on the phone or via internet. These scales for rating are highly specific and sensitive, however they do not always accurately identify the presence or absence of a disorder.
The DSM-5 criteria for ADHD define the disorder as a combination of attentional and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that occur "often" and "interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic or occupational functioning. "15
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must exhibit symptoms in two or more settings, such as at home, in school or on the job. The symptoms must be severe and cannot be caused by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
Anyone considering taking a ADHD screening should prepare by making an inventory of their or their child's symptoms. They must be prepared to answer questions about their medical history, and any pertinent family history.