How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't always simple. There are many obstacles to overcome, ranging from a lack of access to health care to a doctor who is unwilling to recommend.
Professionals with the right qualifications to conduct ADHD testing include psychologists, psychiatrists and clinical social workers. Ask trusted therapists or doctors for recommendations and do your research.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
First, it's crucial to find a good health professional or doctor to help evaluate and manage ADHD symptoms. It may take a while and be frustrating but the final result is worth it. You may need to visit several people before you can find someone who understands your preferences and beliefs about treating ADHD. Also, be sure to be aware of your stance on medications. If you're against it, be certain to communicate your position upfront so that you don't waste your time with someone who doesn't listen to you or agree with you.
The interview with the patient is the first step in determining whether a person suffers from ADHD. The doctor will usually ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. The doctor might also employ an assessment system or other instruments to determine the frequency symptoms are present.
A mental health professional will also typically speak with the patients' significant other family members (spouse parents, spouse, or siblings for adults) and ask them to fill out evaluation forms. This gives the examiner a broader perspective of the effect of ADHD symptoms on a person's life. Talking about diagnosing adhd in adults with your partner or spouse can help you gain more understanding of what they are going through.
A mental health professional may also perform a physical examination to rule out any other conditions that might be contributing to a person's issues. For example, a health care professional might conduct an examination of the blood to look for high levels of certain chemicals in the body which are linked to ADHD. They can also conduct an exam of the brain to determine the flow of blood in the brain and look for signs of enlarged brain structures linked to ADHD.
2. Speak to your child's teacher
Teachers are often able to provide useful information regarding children's unusual behavior. They can help you determine if your child's issues could be due to ADHD. They can also play a role in helping your child get the help they require at school.
If you are talking to your child's teacher about ADHD, it's best to set up a meeting with them at the beginning of the year. You can make it easier for your child's teacher to communicate with you by scheduling a first meeting prior to the start of the first day of school.
In the course of evaluating your child for ADHD, doctors will often ask you to bring in feedback from people who spend time with your child (like teachers). The doctor will ask what time your child's symptoms have been present and if they are affecting academic performance. They will also likely ask you questions regarding your child's behavior at home as well as with family and friends or at work.
A few adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because they weren't properly treated, or because their symptoms were wrongly blamed on anxiety or depression. In adulthood, adults often forget about their past struggles with ADHD symptoms or believe that they "grew out of them."
During an ADHD evaluation, you may be required to complete questionnaires with other family members, colleagues, or close friends. The evaluator might also ask for your report cards as well as possibly, your previous health history. These records will allow the evaluator to understand the history of ADHD and how it impacts your life.
3. Talk to your coworkers
Many adults with ADHD have had the condition without ever being diagnosed. Many people with ADHD have issues, frustrations and even problems at work, and within their families. Some people will be relieved to know that they are not the only ones struggling when they realize how many others are struggling with similar issues. For others, the diagnosis could bring sadness and anger as they reflect on lost opportunities in childhood, a lack of progress in their career and misunderstandings in relationships.
The best way to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to see an expert. This could be a clinical psychologist or physician with expertise in ADHD. Often specialist recommendations are provided by therapists, GPs and other healthcare professionals. It is important to know all you can about the specialist that you are visiting in terms of their academic and professional background. Requesting recommendations or searching the internet can aid you.
Once you've found a competent person, talk to them about your symptoms and how they impact your life. Ask your family and friends for recommendations if are having trouble finding an expert. You can also find out more about the qualifications of specialists and ratings on the internet.
Be honest when discussing your issues with your doctor or psychiatrist. They will inquire if the behaviors cause you stress or how your performance at work is affected. Bring any documentation you might need. This will be a basis for your request for accommodation at work, such as flexible hours and early morning meetings or the possibility of taking an afternoon nap.
4. Speak to your spouse
Adults with ADHD may not realize they have the disorder until their partner mentions it or they experience frustrating life circumstances, such as being unable to meet deadlines at work, having trouble staying in touch with friends or family or causing accidents in the car due to impulsive driving. Symptoms also include trouble organizing, procrastinating and having issues with executive functioning, like planning, time management or organizational skills.
If you're in a relationship with someone who has ADHD try talking to them about their problems and how they affect your relationship. If you're unable to speak face-to-face, try video chatting or using email to maintain eye contact and a connection. You can also seek out an expert in mental health that specializes in ADHD for advice and assist you in understanding the symptoms in your daily life.
After you've discussed the causes of your partner's ADHD with them, find ways to help them get treated and to support them. Avoid pointing out or arguing with them because it can make them feel overwhelmed and defensive. Instead, be positive by playing games with them and providing them with a variety of helpful strategies that can help them manage their symptoms, including scheduling appointments and reminders in advance and setting boundaries around electronic devices, using a turn in conversations with one another and using visual aids to communicate if their mind gets distracted.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is important 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 positive things about them, like their ability to think creatively and solve problems, as well as their ability to focus for long periods of time working on interesting tasks.
5. Talk to Other People
If you or your child are having difficulty in school, at work, or in relationship, it might be time to get an 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 illnesses such as anxiety or depression.
The good news is that a lot of people who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through therapy. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your therapist, whether you opt for face-to-face or online counseling. It's also crucial to describe how these symptoms impact your life. This will help your therapist better comprehend your viewpoint and will be able to assist you.
Contact your primary care doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can perform an ADHD assessment. During the examination the doctor will go over your symptoms as well as past experiences ratings scales, answer questions, and then conduct an exam. They will also inquire about your family history, education, and the environment.
It is essential to discuss the diagnosis with your teachers, coworkers, and supervisors. They can often offer adjustments that can aid you in your success, such as more in-depth explanations, or extra time for specific tasks.
Have you or your child ever gotten lost in a homework assignment, daydreamed in class or acted without thinking? These are all indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is the most frequent mental health issue for children and teens. It's also a condition that can last into adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they have symptoms, until they experience problems at work or in relationships.