Diagnose ADD/ADHD

Is there a simple test to diagnose ADHD?

No; unfortunately, there is no simple test (like a blood test or a short written test) to determine whether someone has ADHD. This is true of many medical conditions (for example, there is no "test" for a simple headache, yet anyone who has had a headache knows it's real!).

What is ADHD?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children and adults alike.  While many sites will tell you it has a chance to go away in adulthood, that's not true. ADHD doesn't go away with age, but the longer it's been since someone was diagnosed with ADHD gives them more time to find proper medication, as well as methods and habits to lessen the effects. Just because someone's found a way to deal with ADHD doesn't mean they don't still have it.

How does someone know they might have ADHD?

If you are questioning if you have ADHD, then the best way to look is through experiences shared by people with ADHD. While looking up articles online can help, it's always best when it comes from someone dealing with the symptoms themselves. This can also be an excellent way to find ways to counteract some of the symptoms. 

Are ADD and ADHD the same thing? or are they different?

The short answer is yes, they are the same. In 1968, ADHD was given its first name, "Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood." In 1980, the name was changed to ADD. Then, it was finally given the name ADHD in 1987.  When the three different types of ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive,  inattentive and distractable, and Combined, are all collectively called ADHD, but inattentive and distractable tend to be labeled ADD.  Although it's debated whether or not the three types exist or whether it depends on what you presented on the day you were diagnosed, ADD is just an outdated term for ADHD. While outdated, a diagnosis of ADD is still widely accepted as a valid diagnosis of ADHD.

How do I get myself or my child diagnosed?

If you think that you or your child might have ADHD, then you should first check for signs and symptoms. After that, decide whether or not you think those signs may point toward ADHD.  A good way to try to self-assess is to take some online ADHD quizzes. While this does not count as an official diagnosis and isn't always accurate, it can help decide whether someone should try to get diagnosed. After that, you should talk to either you or your child's therapist or primary care physician.  While they might diagnose you, if they don't, try looking for a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Neurologist who specializes in ADHD or sometimes a Family Doctor who will help diagnose you. 

Are there ways to treat ADHD?

Yes! While there is no all end-all fix, there are different things that you can try that might help alleviate the symptoms. Medications, Talk therapy, and ADHD coaching are all standard practices to help with ADHD.  But if you would like some methods you can try sooner, than try searching online for what other people with ADHD are doing. Even just ways to have your house, room, apartment or whatever set up can help with things like putting your laundry away!  The critical thing to remember is that what works for most people might not work for you. After getting diagnosed, you or your child can start discovering what works best.

Accurate diagnosis is made only by a trained clinician after an extensive evaluation. This evaluation should include ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms involved, a thorough physical examination, and a series of interviews with the individual (child or adult) and other key persons in the individual's life (for example, parents, spouse, teachers, and others).

Find a doctor or mental health professional

Professional Associations will sometimes offer referrals or provide directories. You may wish to contact:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; http://www.aacap.org/ReferralDirectory/index.htm;

American Psychiatric Association; www.psych.org/public_info/choosing_psych

American Academy of Pediatrics;www.aap.org/referral;

American Academy of Neurology;www.aan.com/public/find.cfm, (800) 879-1960;

American Medical Association;www.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm, 800-621-8335;

National Association of Social workers;www.socialworkers.org;

American Psychological Association;www.apahelpcenter.org/locator/, 800-964-2000;

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy;

therapistlocator.net;

National Board for Certified Counselors;

www.nbcc.org/cfind.

The U.S. Center for Mental Health Services maintains a directory of mental health services and resources in each state;

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases, 800-789-2647.

If you cannot afford services or do not have health insurance, please read the sections on Public Insurance and Public Benefits Programs, or contact your state department of health or mental health to locate a community mental health center near you.

The GLP do not endorse or represent products, services, publications, medications or treatments, including those listed or advertised in the Directory of Professionals, Services & Products.