How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
It's not always easy to identify ADHD. There are diagnosed with adhd as an adult to overcome, from lack of access to health care to a doctor who is unwilling to recommend.
Professionals who are certified to perform ADHD testing include psychologists, psychiatrists and clinical social workers. Consult trusted therapists or doctors for recommendations and do your research.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
It's crucial to first locate a doctor or health professional who can help you assess and manage ADHD symptoms. This may take some time and can be frustrating but it's worthwhile in the long run. You may need to visit multiple people before you find one who understands your needs and philosophies about treating ADHD. Also, be sure to consider your stance on medication. If you are against it, be certain to communicate your position in advance to ensure that you don't waste your time with someone who will not be able to listen or agree with you.
The patient interview is the first place to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD. The doctor will ask the patient to explain in detail their symptoms and how they impact their lives. In addition the doctor might utilize an assessment scale or other tools to gauge how often symptoms are present.
A mental health professional will usually interview the person's significant others (spouse, parents, or siblings for adults) and request them to fill out evaluation forms. This will allow the examiner to gain a better understanding of the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect an individual. It can be beneficial for partners and spouses to talk about the symptoms together as this helps to gain a better understanding of their partner's struggles.
A mental health professional could also perform a physical examination to rule out any other conditions that might contribute to a person's issues. A health care professional might perform a blood test to see if there are high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD. They can also conduct a brain imaging exam to determine the flow of blood in the brain and to look for signs of enlarged brain structures that are associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to the teacher of your child.
Teachers often notice unusual behaviors in kids and can be an invaluable source of information. They can assist you in determining whether or not your child's symptoms are caused by ADHD. They may be instrumental in helping your child receive the support they require at school.
If you want to talk to your teacher about your child's ADHD, it's best to schedule a meeting with them at the beginning of the school year. It will be easier for your child's teacher to communicate with you by scheduling a preliminary meeting prior to the start of the first day of class.
During the evaluation for ADHD doctors may ask you to bring in feedback from those who spend time with your child (like teachers). The doctor will want to know how long your child has had symptoms and if they affect their academic performance. They might also ask you questions regarding your child's behavior at home as well as with family and friends or at work.
Some adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because they weren't properly treated or because their symptoms were incorrectly blamed on anxiety or depression. As adults, they may forget about their struggles as children with ADHD symptoms or think they "grew out of them."
In an ADHD evaluation, you could be required to complete questionnaires with family members as well as close friends and colleagues. The evaluator might also ask you to submit the report cards you received from your education and, if possible you have a medical history prior to the evaluation. These records will aid the evaluator in understanding the history of your ADHD and see how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many people suffering from ADHD have lived with the disorder without ever being diagnosed. Many adults with ADHD have issues, frustrations and even problems at work and within their families. Some people may be happy to know that they're not the only ones struggling when they realize that many others face similar issues. For others, the diagnosis may cause sadness and anger as they think about missed opportunities in childhood, underachievement in their professional life, and miscommunications in relationships.
A specialist can help you identify the symptoms of adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist or a doctor with expertise in ADHD. Typically specialist recommendations are provided by therapists, GPs or other healthcare professionals. It is recommended to obtain as much information regarding the specialist you will be visiting as you can including their professional qualifications and academic background. You can do this by asking for recommendations or conducting a search on the internet.
Once you've found a qualified professional, discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your life. Ask family and acquaintances for recommendations if are struggling to find an expert. You can also learn more about the qualifications and ratings of experts on the internet.
When discussing your issues with a psychiatrist or a doctor and be open about how the behaviors are affecting you. They will want to know if they cause you to feel distress or impacting your performance at work. Bring any documentation you require. This will aid in supporting your request for workplace accommodation like flexible working hours and early morning meetings, or the option of taking a daytime break.
4. Talk to your spouse
Adults suffering from ADHD may not know they have the condition until their partner mentions it or they encounter a number of frustrating situations, such as not being able to meet deadlines at work, having trouble staying in contact with family or friends or causing accidents with their vehicle due to reckless driving. Other signs include procrastination, difficulties in staying organized, and problems with executive functioning, such as time management and planning skills.
If you're in a relationship, discuss with your partner their ADHD symptoms and how it affects your relationship. If you can't talk face-toface, try video chatting or email to keep eye contact and establish a connection. You can also seek help from an expert in mental health who is trained in ADHD to guide your conversation and help you both understand how the symptoms manifest in your everyday life together.
After you have discussed the issues surrounding your partner's ADHD with them, look for ways to help them be treated and to support them. Avoid pointing out or berating them, as they will feel overwhelmed and defensive. Instead, support them by playing out scenarios and offering them helpful strategies to aid them in managing their symptoms.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is crucial to recognize that a lot of people suffering from the disorder have positive characteristics as well. It is beneficial to remind your spouse of the good things about them, like their ability to think creatively and solve problems, as well as their ability to hyperfocus for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk to other People
If you or your child are experiencing difficulties at school, at work, or in relationships, it may be time to get the ADHD evaluation. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is often misdiagnosed, and many of its symptoms can also be present in other mental conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The positive side is that a lot of people diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with the help of therapy. It is essential to discuss your symptoms with your therapist, no matter if you decide to go through face-to-face or online counseling. It's also helpful to explain the impact these symptoms have on your life, as they will be able to get to know your perspective and become better equipped to assist you.
Ask your primary care provider to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can perform an ADHD assessment. During the examination, the doctor will likely review your symptoms and history, complete rating scales or questionnaires, and then conduct a physical exam. They will also likely conduct a family history and ask about your education, the environment and upbringing.
After the diagnosis has been established, it is important to discuss it with your supervisors, coworkers, and teachers. They may be able to offer you adjustments that can assist you in achieving your goals, such as more in-depth explanations and additional time for certain tasks.
Have you or your child ever gotten lost in a homework assignment, daydreamed in class, or performed actions without thinking? These are all indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is the most frequent mental health issue in teens and children. It can also persist throughout adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they are suffering until they experience difficulties at work or in relationships.