How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD isn't always simple. There are many obstacles to overcome, ranging from lack of access to healthcare to a physician who refuses referrals.
Professionals with the right qualifications to conduct ADHD testing include psychologists, psychiatrists and clinical social workers. Do your homework and ask trusted therapists and doctors for recommendations.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
First, it's important to find a good medical professional or doctor to assess and manage ADHD symptoms. It could take some time and be difficult but the final result is worth it. It may take several people before you discover someone who understands both your needs and your philosophies regarding ADHD. Be sure to also consider your stance regarding medication. If you are against it, make sure to express your opinion prior to deciding so that you don't spend your time with someone who doesn't take your side or agree with you.
The patient interview is the primary place to determine if someone has ADHD. The doctor will typically ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. The doctor could also use an assessment system or other instruments to determine the frequency the symptoms manifest.
A mental health professional could also conduct an interview with the patient's closest relatives (spouses parents, spouses or children for adults) and request them to fill out evaluation forms. This helps the examiner gain an understanding of how ADHD symptoms affect an individual. Discussing the symptoms with your spouse or partner will help you gain a better understanding of what they're going through.
Additionally, the mental health professional will typically do a physical exam to rule out other ailments which could be contributing to the person's difficulties. For example, a health care professional might perform tests on blood to check for high levels of specific chemicals in the body which are associated with ADHD. They may also do an imaging test of the brain to determine the flow of blood in the brain and look for signs of enlarged brain structures associated with ADHD.
2. Speak to your child's teacher.
Teachers can often give valuable information regarding children's behavior that is unusual. They can help you decide whether or not your child's problems are due to ADHD. They may also play a role in helping your child get the support they require at school.
If you are talking to your child's teacher about ADHD and other issues, it's recommended to schedule a meeting with them at the beginning of the school year. You can make it easier for your child's teacher communicate with you by scheduling an initial meeting prior to the start of the first day of class.
In the course of evaluating your child for ADHD doctors may require you to provide feedback from people who spend time with your child (like teachers). The doctor will want to know for how long your child has had symptoms and if they have a negative impact on their academic performance. They may also ask you questions regarding your child's behavior at home, with friends and family or at work.
Some adults with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children because they weren't treated for their symptoms or because the symptoms were attributed to other conditions like anxiety or depression. Adults often forget their past struggles with ADHD or believe that they "grew out" of them.
During an ADHD assessment, you may be required to complete questionnaires with family members or close friends as well as colleagues. The evaluator may also ask you to provide reports from your school and, if possible, your prior health history. These records will assist the evaluator in understanding the history of your ADHD and see how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to your coworkers about their experiences.
Many people with ADHD have lived with the condition without ever being diagnosed. They may experience a myriad of unanswered frustrations and issues with friends, work and family. Some people are relieved to know that they are not alone in their struggles and will be relieved to realize that many others face similar issues. For others, the diagnosis may cause sadness and anger when they consider the opportunities they missed in their childhood, lack of success in their career and misunderstandings in relationships.
The best method to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to consult a specialist. This could be a psychologist or physician with expertise in ADHD. Most often, recommendations for specialists are provided by therapists, GPs and other healthcare professionals. It is advisable to get as much information regarding the person you'll be seeing as possible, such as their academic qualifications and professional background. Asking for recommendations or searching the internet can be helpful.
Once you've located a qualified doctor, discuss your symptoms with them and how they impact your life. Ask your family and acquaintances for recommendations if are having difficulty finding an expert. You can also find out more about specialist qualifications and ratings on the internet.
Be honest when discussing your symptoms with your psychiatrist or doctor. They will ask if the behaviours cause you stress or if your performance at work is affected. Bring any documentation you need. This will help to support your request for an workplace accommodation like flexible working hours such as early morning meetings or the possibility of taking a daytime break.
4. Speak to your spouse
Adults suffering from ADHD may not be aware of the condition until a friend is able to bring it to their attention or they face stressful life situations. For example they might not be able to meet work deadlines, have difficulty communicating with family or friends or be involved in accidents with their vehicle due to impulsive driving. Other symptoms include procrastination, problems with organization, and problems with executive functioning such as time management and planning skills.
If you're in a relationship with someone who has ADHD Try talking to them about their problems and how they impact your relationship. It is best to discuss the issue in person, but if that isn't possible, try video chat or email to maintain eye contact and a sense connection. You can also ask for help from an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD to guide the conversation and help you to understand how the symptoms manifest in your everyday life together.
When you have discussed the issues related to your partner's ADHD Find ways to support the person and assist them with getting treatment. Avoid criticizing or arguing with them because it can make them feel defensive and overwhelmed. Instead, encourage them by playing scenarios and offering them helpful strategies to assist them in managing their symptoms.
While ADHD can affect relationships, it is important to recognize that people with the condition have positive characteristics as well. It is beneficial to remind your spouse of the positive things about them, such as their creative problem-solving skills and ability to focus for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk with other people
If you or your child are having difficulties at work, school or in relationships, it may be time to have the ADHD assessment. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is often misdiagnosed, and many of its symptoms can also be present in other mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
The good news is, many people diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with therapy. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your therapist, no matter if you opt for online counseling or face-to-face therapy. It's also helpful to explain the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, since it will help them understand your perspective and be better equipped to help you.
Speak to your primary care doctor and request a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During the examination, the doctor will likely go over your symptoms and medical history as well as complete rating scales and questionnaires, and conduct an examination. They will also ask about your family background, education, and your environment.
After the diagnosis has been made, it's important to talk about it with your supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. They may offer adjustments to assist you in achieving your goals. For instance, they may give more detailed explanations or provide additional time for certain tasks.
Have you or your child ever forgotten homework assignments, wished you were in class, or behaved without thinking? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most frequent mental illness in teens and children. It's also a condition that can last into adulthood. Many adults don't realize they have symptoms until they experience difficulties at work or in relationships.