ADHD Testing in Golden Valley, MN

There is no singular diagnostic or psychological test that is used to diagnose ADHD. Instead, experts use a variety of tests that take both your past and present symptoms into consideration for a comprehensive and reliable diagnosis. ADHD is typically diagnosed when symptoms effect a person’s day-to-day life for longer than 6 months. These symptoms include heightened levels of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsiveness that are atypical when compared to age-appropriate levels. 
 
In addition to monitoring and assessing current symptoms, a mental health specialist may also conduct interviews with close friends and/or family members, perform psychological and physiological testing to rule out other medical conditions, and use questionnaires and rating scales to formulate an accurate diagnosis. 

While there there is no single medical, physical, or genetic test for ADHD, a diagnostic evaluation can be performed by a licenced mental health professional or physician. This may be your primary health physician, an ADHD specialist, or another certified healthcare professional.
 
Your chosen practitioner will assess for ADHD using multiple testing methods. These may include ADHD symptom checklists, standardized behavior rating scales, gathering a detailed history of your past and current symptoms, and obtaining additional information from your family members and/or significant other(s). Testing may also include cognitive and academic examination to rule out a possible learning disorder.
 
Your diagnosis will be determined by your clinician based on the number and severity of your symptoms, the longevity of symptoms, and the degree to which these symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Your ADHD specialist will also determine, or rule out, if your symptoms are being caused by a coinciding condition.

Getting an accurate ADHD diagnosis comes down to the thoroughness of your performing clinician.
 
An accurate diagnosis cannot be obtained from a brief office observation or by simply talking to your specialist, as you may not always exhibit ADHD symptoms during your scheduled visits. ADHD requires multiple forms of testing, over multiple visits, that take into account past and present symptoms. In addition, a diagnosis of ADHD requires ruling out any other medical conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.
 
Diagnosis must adhere to the guidelines laid out in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). In making the diagnosis, both children and adults should have at least five of the recognized symptoms present.

It’s very normal to feel weariness when it comes to getting tested for ADHD, as a potential diagnosis can often triggers intense feelings. However, it’s important to keep in mind that getting a diagnosis is the first step toward making your life better. Once you know what you’re dealing with, and you have a better understanding of the condition, you can start moving towards treatment which allows you to take control of symptoms and feel more confident as you move through life.
 
While an ADHD diagnosis may feel like a label, it’s often more beneficial to think about it as an explanation as to why you have struggled with certain life skills and what you can do to improve that process. For many, getting a diagnosis of ADHD is a relief as it explains why they may feel ‘different’ from other people.
 
If you’re looking to get tested for ADHD or would like help managing your symptoms, contact us at Ample Grace Psychiatry. We offer empathetic, reliable, and professional care at every step of your mental health journey. We serve patients from Golden Valley MN, Minneapolis MN, Brooklyn Park MN, Plymouth MN, Saint Louis Park MN, Hopkins, MN, and surrounding areas.