How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't always simple. There are many hurdles to overcome, from lack of access to health care to a doctor who refuses to refer you.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are trained professionals who are able to conduct ADHD tests. Consult trusted therapists or doctors for recommendations and conduct your own research.
1. Speak to Your Doctor
It's important to first find a health professional or doctor who can help you evaluate and manage ADHD symptoms. It may take a while and be frustrating but it's worth it in the long run. It may take several people before you find someone who can meet your needs and your philosophies concerning ADHD. Also, you should consider your stance on medication. If you are against it, make certain to communicate your position in advance so that you don't spend your time with someone who won't take your side or even agree with you.
The interview with the patient is the first step in determining if a person has ADHD. The doctor will typically ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. In addition the doctor might utilize a rating scale or other tools to gauge how frequently the symptoms occur.
A mental health professional can also conduct an interview with the patient's closest relatives (spouses parents, spouses, or children for adults) and have them complete evaluation forms. This helps the examiner gain an understanding of the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect an individual. Talking about the symptoms with your spouse or partner can help you gain a more understanding of what they're experiencing.
A mental health professional may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other issues that could be contributing to a person's problems. A health care professional could do a blood check to see if there are high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD. They can also conduct an imaging test of the brain to measure blood flow in the brain and check for signs of enlarged brain structures that are associated with ADHD.
2. Speak to your child's teacher
Teachers are often able to provide valuable information about children's unusual behavior. They can help you decide whether or not your child's problems are caused by ADHD. They can also assist in ensuring that your child receive the assistance they need 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. It will be easier for your child's teacher communicate with you by scheduling a first meeting prior to the beginning of the first day of class.
When evaluating for ADHD, doctors will often require you to provide feedback from those who interact with your child (like teachers). The doctor will inquire about what time your child's symptoms have been present and if they are affecting academic performance. You will be asked about your child's behavior, whether at home at school, at home or with family and friends.
Certain adults with ADHD didn't get diagnosed as children due to the fact that they weren't treated for their symptoms, or because the symptoms were attributed to other problems like anxiety or depression. Adults often forget their childhood struggles with ADHD or believe that they "grew out" of them.
In an ADHD assessment, you could be required to complete questionnaires with family members, colleagues, and close friends. The evaluator could also request your report cards and in the event that it is possible, your past health history. These records will aid the evaluator in understanding your past experiences with ADHD and determine how it affects your life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many adults with ADHD suffer from the condition for decades without ever being diagnosed. They may have a variety of unanswered problems and frustrations with their work, friends, and family. For some, it will be a relief find a reason behind their symptoms, especially when they realize how many others suffer from the same issues, and that they're not alone. For others, the diagnosis may be a source of anger and sadness when they consider missed opportunities in childhood, lack of success in their career and misunderstandings in relationships.
The best method to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to see an expert. This could be a clinical psychiatrist or a physician with experience in ADHD. Typically, recommendations for specialists are provided by therapists, GPs or other healthcare professionals. It is essential to know as much as you can about the professional who you will be visiting as well as their academic and professional background. A few recommendations or a search on the internet can be helpful.
After you've found a qualified professional, discuss your symptoms with them about how they affect your life. If you're having a hard time finding a specialist, ask family and friends who they have been to and what their experiences were like. You can also learn more about the credentials and ratings of specialists on the Internet.
When discussing your symptoms with a psychiatrist or a doctor, be open about how the behaviors are affecting you. They'll want to know if they are causing you significant anxiety and affecting your work performance. If you are required to document your diagnosis. This will help to support your request for a workplace accommodation, such as flexible working hours such as early morning meetings or the option of taking a daytime break.
4. Talk to your spouse
Adults with ADHD may not be aware of the condition until a loved one is able to bring it to their attention or they encounter stressful life circumstances. For instance they may not be able to meet work deadlines and have trouble communicating with their family or friends or even get into accidents in the car due to reckless driving. Other symptoms include procrastination, problems with organization and issues with executive functioning such as time management, planning or organizational skills.
If you're in a relationship, talk to your partner about their ADHD symptoms and how they affect your relationship. It is best to discuss the issue in person, but if that isn't possible, use video chat or email to maintain eye contact and a sense connection. You can also seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD to guide your conversation and help you both understand how the symptoms manifest in your daily lives.
After discussing the issues surrounding your partner's ADHD with them, look for ways to help them be treated and also to help them. Avoid scolding or nagging them as this will make them feel defensive and overwhelmed. Instead, try to be helpful by playing role-playing situations with them and offering them various strategies to assist them in managing their symptoms, such as scheduling appointments and reminders ahead of time, setting boundaries on electronic devices, taking turns when talking to each other and using visual aids to communicate if their mind gets distracted.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is important to acknowledge the positive attributes of many people with this condition. It's important to remind your partner of their positive attributes like their ability to solve problems creatively and focus for long periods on novel tasks.
5. Talk with other people
If you or your children have issues at school, at work or in relationships, it could be time for an ADHD evaluation. It's important to note that ADHD is often misdiagnosed and many of the symptoms can be present in other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The positive side is that a lot of people diagnosed with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms with the help of therapy. Whether you decide to try online therapy or in-person counseling, it's important to discuss the symptoms you're experiencing with your therapist. It's also beneficial to explain the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, as it will help them understand your perspective and be better equipped to help you.
Request your primary care physician to recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During the assessment, the doctor will likely discuss your symptoms and medical history, complete rating scales or questionnaires, and conduct a physical exam. They will also inquire about your family history, education, upbringing and environment.
It is essential to discuss the diagnosis with your teachers, coworkers and supervisors. They may be able to offer you accommodations that will assist you in achieving your goals by providing more detailed explanations, or extra time for certain tasks.
Have you or your child ever forgotten a home assignment, pondered a daydream during class or acted without thinking about the consequences? These are all indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is the most prevalent mental health issue for children and teens. This condition can also continue into adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they have symptoms until they have problems at work or in relationships.