Starting at the beginning

As often happens with ADHD we can tend to skip a few steps and then have to go back. I'm going to talk about getting an ADHD evaluation which seems like the place I should have stated when I began this blog. So from the beginning...
I like using bullet points. Keeps me from running on and easy to focus on ;-)

• There is no test to diagnose ADHD in adults or children but rather there is an evaluation process that should be completed by an expert in ADHD. An expert is someone who has had training in the treatment and evaluation of ADHD and experience with working with ADHD clients.
• The evaluation should consist of an in depth clinical interview including family and medical history, several ADHD symptom questionnaires some of which focused on gender and age, and a physical exam by your PCP to rule out medical problems.
• A determination of ADHD should include looking for other possible issues that may look like ADHD or can often occur along with ADHD. These include: learning disorders, anxiety and/or depression, chronic sleep problems, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorder, oppositional defiant disorder.
• The professional who completed the evaluation should go over their findings with you and explain how they have made their diagnosis and what the options are for treatment if ADHD has been diagnosed

I hope this has been helpful! Please comment on your experiences or post questions you might have about this process. Thanks for visiting here!