ADHD Testing: What to Expect

The CDC estimates that over 6% of adults and over 11% of children have a current ADHD diagnosis. It’s a fairly common disorder, and many people have a basic understanding of at least some of the symptoms.

However, fewer people know what it’s like to actually undergo testing for ADHD. For children, especially, the idea of going through a test and not knowing what it might entail can be overwhelming or even scary.

Whether you or your child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD, testing is important. It will ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Knowing what to expect during ADHD testing can offer peace of mind and make the entire process easier. With that, let’s cover what happens during a typical ADHD screening process.

How Does ADHD Testing Work?

First, it’s important to note that there isn’t some kind of quick medical test to determine if someone has ADHD. There is no scan or blood draw that will be able to diagnose someone at any age.

Rather, ADHD testing involves a series of exams, questions, and observations.

First, the evaluator will determine if symptoms of ADHD are causing impairment in your (or your child’s) daily activities. They’ll also work to rule out other potential disorders or problems before jumping to an ADHD diagnosis. If there is something else contributing to symptoms, it’s important to be able to point it out for the sake of treatment.

During the testing process, the person being evaluated will go through either a physical or neurodevelopmental exam. This will help the provider determine if the criteria for ADHD are met while they observe symptoms. They will record these symptoms using different rating scales.

An interview is also often a part of the testing process. The provider will want to know about a person’s day-to-day life and how they feel and behave at school, work, at home, and around others.

What Are Providers Looking For?

Throughout the ADHD testing process, providers will look for several key characteristics to make a proper diagnosis.

For children, that means showcasing six or more common symptoms for longer than six months. For adults, there need to be at least five established ADHD behaviors. These behaviors (in both children and adults) need to interfere with daily tasks and quality of life, and they need to occur in more than one location. For example, if a child is showing signs of ADHD at school but not at home, they might not receive a diagnosis.

How Long Does Testing Take?

Not all ADHD evaluations are exactly the same. While the criteria used have to meet a certain standard, the specific questions asked and observations made are often customized based on a person’s most notable symptoms.

Because of that, the average ADHD testing process takes anywhere from 1-3 hours. However, it could take weeks for the entire evaluation to be complete if further testing needs to be done to rule out other medical conditions.

What to Expect After the Screening

After undergoing questions, observations, and a physical exam, your provider will either request further testing or provide you with a diagnosis.

If you (or your child) receive an ADHD diagnosis, it’s likely your provider will work with you right away to prescribe treatment and get a plan in place that will help almost immediately. They will also likely request a follow-up appointment to see how effective the treatment is and whether any changes need to be made.

If you have more questions about what to expect during ADHD testing, feel free to reach out. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. The more you know about it, the more comfortable you’ll be during the process.