You think you may have ADHD because you’re having challenges in different areas of your life. Some of the trouble you’re experiencing appears as:
- your inability to keep your attention for a long period of times
- you have difficulty getting started
- your relationship is affected by and lack of control over your emotions
- you just had a poor job performance evaluation
Or you think your child may have ADHD because they’re struggling at school with academics and/or behavior. Teachers are sending notes home describing behaviors such as impulsive and fidgeting in class (getting out of their seat, playing with papers, playing with the hair of a classmate). Or your child is pushing others, has difficulty waiting for his/her turn. On other occasions, your child forgot to do a project, turn in homework or your child is very quiet, will not take part in class, withdraws from others, and has only one friend.
Can it be ADHD or these symptoms caused by something other than ADHD?
Can ADHD be the only explanation of what you are going through?
How do you go about finding a provider to conduct an evaluation?
Find a professional who is experienced and knowledgeable with regard to ADHD.
1 Start the conversation with your primary care physician or child’s pediatrician (if you have a good relationship).
2. Identify a qualified mental health professional.
3. Search the website of one of the major nonprofit organizations dedicated to ADHD such as CHADD or ADDA.
4 Call your insurance company.
5. Check mental health organizations (national or at your state level).
6. Call the local university medical school psychiatry department.
7. Reach out to your local hospital or community mental health facility.
8. Obtain a referral from a friend or relative you trust.
What Questions to ask at your appointment?
1. How long has the provider been treating ADHD children or adults?
2. What is their area of expertise?
3. What percentage of their clients are ADHD? What other conditions do they treat?
4. How long does it take to get an appointment?
5. What are all the services they offer?
6. What other resources or referrals do they offer?
7. What do I need to bring to the evaluation and what should I expect from the provider?
Bring any documentation you have collected throughout the years from school or work evaluations that have information related to ADHD or another disorder.
Have a list of all medications you or your child are taking (include over-the-counter medicine and vitamins).
Have a list of any mental disorders or treatment that runs in the biological family (for adopted children as well).
The documentation if you had a previous evaluation from another medical doctor or mental health professional.
What should you expect from the evaluation?
1. A clinical interview by the mental health professional (series of questions from childhood to today, milestone development, medical history, family history on mental health, mental status exam, and much more).
2. Clinical rating scales, referral information
3. Review of any records (past evaluations, school records).
4. Interview other family members, significant others, or friends who know you or your child.
5. Ask as many questions as you need to.
Do not rush during the interview process. Prior to the appointment, ask the provider how long it will take. Most first appointments last 2 or more hours depending on what the tests they want to complete (brief cognitive test and/or neuropsychological tests). Some of the tests can be broken down over several visits. You want your clinical scales or questionnaires to be completed by someone who knows you or your child very well
You are the best advocate for yourself and your family.