https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment Getting a Diagnosis for ADHD The first step to manage symptoms that hinder your work, education and relationships is to receive an assessment for ADHD. Your primary care physician can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation. It is essential to talk with people you know well, like your coworkers, friends and former teachers or religious leaders. Your evaluator will also need information about your physical symptoms in different settings outside of the office, like at home or at work. Symptoms If a person of any age has been struggling with ADHD symptoms for several years it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have at least six distinct signs of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity that seriously hinder everyday functioning, such as making careless mistakes at school or work or forgetting important items. These symptoms must have manifested in the early years of childhood prior to the age of 12 and are not caused by any other disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and examine the medical family, mental, and health histories of your child or you. They will also examine how your child performs in various environments, including home and school. They might want to talk to others like parents, friends, teachers and coaches, about you or your child's behavior. A thorough evaluation can help identify whether ADHD is the cause of the person's issues and determine the type of medication that is most effective. For instance, if someone's ADHD symptoms are mostly due to impulsivity, they might need medications that affect the dopamine system. They may also have to address other underlying health issues, like anxiety or depression. During the interview, you or your child's doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life, and how long they hav