Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that interferes with how our brains work. ADHD symptoms show up in many ways, making it tricky to diagnose. Figuring out if you need an ADHD assessment can help you get diagnosed on time and get the right help. Ultimately, you can work with a therapist to plan on better ways to manage ADHD symptoms well.
The experiences of living with ADHD vary from person to person. While ADHD may feel or look different for different people, most of them share some similarities.
Check out the indicators of when ADHD assessment is needed for you!
Disruption in daily functioning
If you’ve been having ongoing problems in your daily life, it might be a good idea to think about getting an ADHD assessment. For instance, you might struggle to focus and get things done at school or work, have trouble meeting deadlines, or find it hard to do your regular tasks. These problems can persist and make it challenging for you to do well in different parts of your life.
Trouble with relationships
Another indicator of needing an ADHD assessment is when the symptoms start interfering with your social relationships. There may be frequent misunderstanding due to interruptions during conversations, forgetting important dates, or when there are some disorganization on house chores. When you have trouble communicating and understanding others in relationships, it can cause misunderstandings and create a sense of distance between you and them. As a result, you can have a hard time making and keeping any relationships.
Personal distress
When you’re struggling with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, it can make you feel overwhelmed. This can lead to feeling like you’re not doing as well as others, always falling behind, or making mistakes. If you notice these challenges affecting your daily life, it might be a good time to consider getting an ADHD assessment.
Low self-esteem
Dealing with ADHD challenges all the time can affect how you see yourself. Facing difficulties in school or work can really bring you down because concentrating, keeping up with tasks, and remembering notes become tough. This can make you feel like you’re not good enough.
How do I get assessed for ADHD?
Seeking a ADHD assessment could be the first step to seeking therapy and treatment for ADHD. When getting diagnosed with ADHD, it is important to speak with a licensed clinical psychologist to rule out any other mental health conditions.
Getting a pre-assessment consultation
At Aloe Mind, the first step for an ADHD assessment is to have a pre-assessment consultation. In this session, a clinical psychologist will talk to you about your symptoms and the reason for the assessment. After that, they’ll choose the right tools to assess you and schedule them for you. It’s all to make sure they understand your situation and help you better!
Assessment
During the assessment, the clinical psychologist will administer tests depending on your needs to understand your symptoms better. The tests may include questionnaires, collateral interviews, an IQ test, and so on. The duration of the test can vary depending on the tools they require, and it may range from 2 to 5 hours.
Briefing
In the free briefing session, the psychologist will discuss the assessment results with you. As part of the briefing, they will also give you a free brief report to keep. If they think you need to see a psychiatrist for medication, they can write a referral letter for you. It’s all about making sure you understand your symptoms and getting the help that is tailored to you.
What’s next after the ADHD assessment?
Regardless of the result of your assessment, you may work with your clinical psychologist to plan your next steps. They will consult with you based on the result and their clinical judgment. If medication is recommended for you, they will be able to write a referral letter for you to seek help from a psychiatrist. If therapy is recommended, you may continue taking sessions with them to work on managing symptoms in order for you to live a fulfilled life!
Thinking of getting ADHD assessment?
Book the ADHD pre-assessment consultation with our clinical psychologists! If you are struggling with symptoms, go ahead and start your journey towards healing!
Book a session on our website, or Whatsapp us at +60 17-803 8384!