Many people think Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is just a childhood issue, but it can actually last into adulthood or even be diagnosed for the first time at that age.
Learning how to get tested as an adult for ADHD is important – and so you might want some tips to prepare. Taking a test can help you understand yourself better, have stronger relationships, and manage your daily life more easily. With the right treatment plan, your quality of life could improve a lot.
I’m sharing about adult ADHD because I’m a bestselling author on anxiety and leading Behavioral Change Coach – with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded the therapist recommended self-paced online course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love to help people to live calmer, happier lives.
This article discusses the symptoms and what you need to do to get ready for ADHD testing as an adult so it goes smoothly and gets you the results you need.
Checking The Symptoms
Adults with ADHD often experience a range of symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives, work, and relationships. Here’s a detailed look at these symptoms:
Inattention
Adults with ADHD often struggle with maintaining focus, easily getting distracted, and frequently forgetting details or instructions. This pattern can significantly impact their ability to manage daily tasks effectively, especially in work and academic settings.
Hyperactivity And Impulsivity
Hyperactivity in ADHD manifests as a constant need for movement and difficulty in staying still, coupled with impulsive behaviors such as interrupting conversations or making hasty decisions. These traits can strain relationships and lead to challenges in both personal and professional environments.
Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional dysregulation in ADHD includes abrupt mood swings and disproportionate emotional responses, which can disrupt interpersonal interactions and complicate social relationships. Adults with ADHD may struggle with frequent stress and irritability, affecting their overall well-being.
Executive Functioning Issues
Adults with ADHD may have trouble with planning, organization, and time management due to executive functioning deficits. This leads to difficulties in meeting deadlines, completing tasks, and maintaining personal and professional commitments.
Don’t beat yourself up if you experience ADHD symptoms as an adult. It’s a medical condition, not a personal flaw. Getting diagnosed and treated by a mental health professional can significantly improve your daily life and overall well-being.
Getting Tested For ADHD
Taking an ADHD test can be a turning point in understanding yourself and handling your struggles. Here’s how to get ready for the evaluation.
1. Find An ADHD Specialist
Look for an ADHD expert who can diagnose adults, as their symptoms can differ from children’s. Check their credentials and reviews, and ask doctors or support groups for recommendations.
2. Gather Your History
Write down your past experiences that might suggest ADHD, like childhood behaviors, academic difficulties (e.g., finishing assignments, focusing), and work-related challenges. This background is crucial because ADHD usually starts in childhood and lasts a lifetime.
3. List Your Symptoms
Make a detailed list of your current ADHD symptoms with specific examples of how they affect your daily life. Include instances of missed deadlines, trouble following through, or feeling restless and unable to stay seated. The more details, the better the doctor can understand your situation.
4. Collect Reports
Gather any documents that shed light on your past behavior and performance. This could be school reports, past evaluations, or written observations from teachers and family. These provide objective evidence to support your self-reported symptoms.
5. Consider Overlapping Conditions
Reflect on potential symptoms of other disorders like anxiety or depression, which are common alongside ADHD. These can influence diagnosis and treatment. Discuss these with your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation.
6. Be Open And Honest
During the evaluation, be completely honest about your symptoms and challenges. It might be tempting to downplay your difficulties, but transparency is key to an accurate diagnosis.
7. Ask Questions
Come prepared with questions about ADHD, its impact, the evaluation process, and treatment options. Ask about medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, mental health support, and symptom management strategies. This helps you understand ADHD better and allows you to actively participate in your treatment plan.
8. Set Realistic Expectations
Understand that diagnosis is just the beginning of managing ADHD. Treatment often involves ongoing efforts like therapy, medication (optional), and adjustments to your lifestyle and work habits. It’s important to have realistic expectations about what diagnosis and treatment can achieve.
By following these steps, you can ensure you’re well-prepared for your ADHD evaluation, leading to a more accurate ADHD diagnosis and a treatment plan that works for you.
What To Expect
Adult ADHD assessment isn’t a single, definitive test. Instead, it’s a process that typically involves several steps to get a comprehensive picture. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Initial Interview
This is your chance to discuss your concerns and symptoms with the healthcare provider. They’ll likely ask detailed questions about your current experiences, as well as your childhood history.
Be prepared to talk about how these symptoms affect your daily life at work, at home, and in relationships.
Review Of Medical History
The healthcare provider might review your medical records to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing similar symptoms.
Standardized Assessments
You might complete standardized tests designed to assess attention, focus, impulsivity, and other cognitive functions. These can be computer-based or paper-and-pencil tests.
Information Gathering From Others
Sometimes, the healthcare provider might ask your permission to gather information from people who know you well, such as spouses, partners, family members, or even colleagues (with your consent). This can provide a more well-rounded perspective on your symptoms.
The Duration
The entire evaluation process can take anywhere from a few hours to several sessions spread across weeks, depending on the complexity and the specific approach of the healthcare provider.
Conclusion: How Get Tested As An Adult for ADHD
Adults considering ADHD testing should be familiar with the symptoms, find a qualified mental healthcare provider, and have realistic expectations. This preparation helps them navigate the ADHD diagnosis process and potential treatment plan. Realizing the value of testing is the first step towards a more organized and satisfying life.
Stay Calm During Tough Times
Explore my bestselling and therapist recommended audio and video course: The Anxiety Cure.
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