Where to get add tested

Last Updated: August 26, References. This article was co-authored by Kirsten Thompson, MD. There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 84, times. Spencer, Timothy E. If you suspect that you or a person close to you has ADHD, be on the lookout for certain symptoms.

Talk with a mental health professional to get an official diagnosis, and find the support you need to treat your ADHD. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Read More This person will interview you to get a detailed idea of your past and current life experiences and challenges. They will also want to rule out other disorders that have similar symptoms to ADHD, so try to answer the questions as accurately and completely as possible.

Additionally, your doctor may ask you to complete a few questionnaires, like the Vanderbilt Assessment, to gain more insight into your condition. For tips on finding emotional support for people with ADHD, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great.

By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Track your activities and reactions over a couple of weeks. If you suspect you may have ADHD, pay attention to your emotions and reactions for a couple of weeks.

Write down what you do and how you react and feel. Pay attention especially to your ability to focus and pay attention. Determine if you have symptoms of inattentive ADHD. In order to qualify for a diagnosis, you must exhibit at least five symptoms for an adult or six symptoms for a child 16 and under in more than one setting, for at least six months. Is easily distracted Is forgetful. Look for other symptoms of ADHD. An individual who is experiencing symptoms of Inattentive ADHD may also experience hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Method 2. Visit your family doctor for a physical exam. Your doctor may also order specific tests, such as a blood test that checks lead levels, a blood test that looks for thyroid disease, and a CT scan or MRI to check brain activity. New York, NY: Springer. Choose the best medical professional for your diagnosis. Different types of doctors can offer different expertise.

A psychiatrist is trained in diagnosing ADHD and is licensed to prescribe medication. I tend to walk quickly. Sitting still and listening quietly is a challenge. Doing nothing is agitating. My mind is always going. Falling asleep is difficult. Seeking novelty. I find it hard to unwind and relax. Small talk is boring. I love trying new things, then get bored, and change them up to make them fun.

Been there, done that, Next! Until I crash. I get into one hobby after another. When something interests me I am totally immersed, enthused, wanting to know everything… for a while. I always have lots to say. I tell great stories, but rarely learn anything about anyone else. If someone else tries to speak I may get louder because I feel pressured to get it out. I am full of ideas — my mind races and I have to get it out. I may seem rude dominating, always adding my two cents, but I love to contribute my ideas.

And I have lots of them. I often say yes to new things, then end up overwhelmed with commitments. Symptoms of inattentive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADD — particularly in women — can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, even decades. Many adults are finally evaluated for ADD symptoms after their children get diagnosed — and they realize that they struggled with the same symptoms all their lives. ADD symptoms in adults can include lack of motivation, procrastination, and difficulty sustaining attention.

ADD can cause problems with relationships, finances, and work. Only a mental-health professional can tell for sure whether symptoms are severe, frequent, and pervasive enough to suggest a positive ADD diagnosis.

But this self-test may provide some behavior clues and suggestions about next steps. This questionnaire is designed to determine whether you demonstrate symptoms similar to those of attention deficit disorder ADD — and the inattentive sub-type in particular. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. My friends or family members have asked me not to monopolize conversations, saying that I talk excessively when we are together.

When doing chores at home, I move from task to task, without finishing anything. Chores are more like a burst of whirlwind activity — things get moved around but rarely cleared off my to-do list totally. I fidget whenever I need to sit still and concentrate.

I tap a pencil, move my feet, or play with my hair, even when in meetings for work and often without consciously doing so. I feel compelled to move around. For example, when watching a movie, I feel driven to get up and move around after only a few minutes. I generally feel restless, as if I need to be perpetually doing something or going somewhere.