Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult for adults to be attentive to tasks and the world around them. This condition can also cause disorganization and impulsiveness in adults. ADHD testing and diagnosis can help adults get the treatment and therapy they need for positive behavioral changes. Here are some reasons to consider getting an ADHD diagnosis:
Learn More About Your ADHD Type
Hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive, and combined are the ADHD types you can be diagnosed with. Adults with hyperactivity ADHD tend to be restless, talk too much, and interrupt other people’s conversations. Impulsivity ADHD can cause adults to have difficulties with self-control or make significant decisions without considering the future consequences The inattentive type of ADHD causes distraction in adults because of the inability to focus and concentrate. Adults with the combined type of ADHD can experience a range of or all of these symptoms.
Find a Community and Begin Therapy
People with ADHD can be misunderstood, resulting in isolation. Undergoing testing is necessary to help you find a community of people with similar experiences. Social media, online communities, and physical support groups can connect you with people who understand your situation, further enabling your self-realization. ADHD testing can also make it easier for your therapist to provide appropriate cognitive-behavioral therapy. With an accurate diagnosis and corresponding treatments, you can begin to control your ADHD symptoms. If you need help managing distractions, solving problems, and getting organized, consider getting tested for ADHD so you can find a community and begin therapy.
Steps Involved in ADHD Testing
The first step for gaining an ADHD diagnosis is disclosing your personal and mental health history to a therapist. The therapist may also want to know more about your childhood, including your school performance, organization, and any mental or physical troubles you experienced. If you have difficulty recalling any childhood events, your therapist may recommend ADHD treatment.
The next step involved in ADHD testing and diagnosis is determining the mental, emotional, and physical challenges you have experienced as an adult. You can invite your friends or loved ones participate in your ADHD evaluation to share their observations about your behavior. This suppoprt may increase the chances of positive ADHD diagnosis outcomes. Mental health testing is also a step in ADHD diagnosis. Your therapist can screen you for stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders during the testing to determine comorbidity.
Your therapist may use a behavioral rating scale to evaluate the types and severity of behavioral problems you experience. The scale can also help the therapist determine how often you experience these issues. Examples of behavioral rating scales ADHD therapists use include Attention Control Scales, Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales, ADHD Lifespan Functioning Interview, and Adult ADHD Self-report Scale.
Adult ADHD Treatment Methods
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help address ADHD in adults. This therapy methodcan positively impact your thinking patterns, enabling better control of ADHD symptoms. Your therapist may also suggest medications to help control and maintain your attention and executive function. Counseling can also you connect with your emotions and work through your past and present experiences with ADHD and how they impact your life. Life skills coaching can help adults with ADHD learn to manage time better, become organized, and sharpen communication skills.
How To Choose a Therapist for Your ADHD Diagnosis
Check your potential therapist’s website for their credentials and reviews from past clients. The therapist should be trained, licensed, and legally allowed to diagnose and prescribe. Positive client reviews can show that your chosen therapist provides a safe space and is reputable and trustworthy. The ADHD therapist you choose for your testing and diagnosis should also be a great communicator. They should be willing to explain all aspects of your testing and diagnosis processes. An open and engaging ADHD therapist will evaluate your symptoms and offer the necessary help while supporting and respecting your needs.
Get Tested for ADHD Today
It’s never too late for adults to be tested for ADHD. Because there is no single, definitive ADHD test, healthcare professionals use a combination of methods to diagnose ADHD in adults. A thorough behavioral evaluation, assessment of medical history, rating scales, and neuropsychological assessments can all be used in the diagnostic process. Although ADHD is a chronic condition, it can be treated to minimize the severity of symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional today.
