How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't always straightforward. There are many obstacles that hinder the process including a lack access to treatment to a general practitioner who is reluctant to refer patients to an evaluation.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers are trained professionals who are able to conduct ADHD testing. Ask trusted therapists or doctors for recommendations and do your own research.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
It's important to first find a doctor or health professional who can help you evaluate and manage ADHD symptoms. It may take a while and be frustrating, but the end result is worth it. It may take several people before you discover someone who understands both your needs and your beliefs about ADHD. Be sure to also consider your stance regarding medication. If you're against it, be certain to communicate your position prior to deciding so that you don't spend your time with someone who won't be able to listen or agree with you.
The patient's interview is the first step to determine if a person has ADHD. The doctor will ask the patient to describe in detail their symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor may also use a rating system or other instruments to determine the frequency the symptoms occur.
A mental health professional could also conduct an interview with the patient's closest relatives (spouses, parents, or children for adults) and request them to complete evaluation forms. This gives the examiner a broader perspective of the impact of the ADHD symptoms on a person's daily life. It can be beneficial for spouses and partners to talk about the symptoms together, as it helps them gain a better understanding of their partner's struggles.
A mental health professional could also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other conditions that could be contributing to a person's issues. A health care professional could perform a blood test to determine if there is high levels of certain chemicals associated with ADHD. They could also perform an imaging test of the brain to determine the flow of blood in the brain and look for signs of an increase in brain structures associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to the teacher of your child.
Teachers are usually able to provide valuable information about children's behavior that is unusual. They can assist you in determining whether or not your child's symptoms are due to ADHD. They may be instrumental in ensuring that your child receives the support they require at school.
It's best to meet with your child's teachers at the start of the school year to discuss ADHD. They may be overwhelmed with 25-30 new students at the start of the school year and you can make it easier for them to communicate with you if you schedule an initial meeting before the start of school.
During the evaluation for ADHD, doctors will often request feedback from those who interact with your child (like teachers). The doctor will inquire about how long your child's symptoms have been evident and if they're affecting academic performance. They will also likely ask you questions about your child's behavior at home as well as with family and friends or at work.
Some adults with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because they weren't properly treated, or because their symptoms were incorrectly as a result of anxiety or depression. Adults often forget their childhood struggles with ADHD or think they "grew out" of these issues.
During an ADHD assessment, you could be required to complete questionnaires with family members, colleagues, and close friends. The evaluator might also ask for your report cards and, if possible your past health history. These documents will aid the evaluator in understanding your past experiences with ADHD and how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many people with 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 are relieved to know that they are not the only ones struggling, especially after realizing how many others are struggling with similar issues. For others, the diagnosis may bring sadness and anger when they consider missed opportunities in childhood, a lack of progress in their careers, and miscommunications in relationships.
The best method to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to see a specialist. This could be a clinical psychiatrist or a doctor with experience in ADHD. Typically the recommendations for specialists are provided by therapists, GPs or other healthcare professionals. It is crucial to know as much as you can about the professional who you will be visiting in terms of their academic and professional background. Requesting recommendations or searching the internet can help you.
Once you've found a competent person, speak with them about your issues 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 distress or how your performance at work is affected. Bring any documentation you might need. This will help support your request for accommodations at work, such as flexible hours, early morning meetings, or the option to take the day off.
4. Talk to your spouse
Adults suffering from ADHD may not realize they have the condition until their partner mentions it or they are confronted by stressful life situations, such as not being able to meet deadlines at work, having difficulty keeping in touch with friends or family or causing accidents in the car due to impulsive driving. Other symptoms include procrastination, problems with organization and difficulties in executive functioning such as time management, planning or organizational skills.
If you're in an intimate relationship with someone who has ADHD Try talking to them about their problems and how they impact your relationship. It is best to speak in person, but if that isn't possible, use video chat or email to keep eye contact and a sense of connection. You can also seek help from an expert in mental health who specializes in ADHD to guide your conversation and help you understand how the symptoms manifest in your daily lives.
Once you discuss the issues relating to your partner's ADHD Find ways to help them and assist them in getting treatment. Avoid pointing out or berating them, as this will make them feel defensive and overwhelmed. Instead, you should be supportive by role playing situations with them and offering them various strategies that can assist them in managing their symptoms, like scheduling appointments and reminders ahead of time, setting boundaries around electronic devices, taking turns in conversations with one another and using visual aids to communicate if their mind gets distracted.
While ADHD can negatively impact relationships, it is important to acknowledge the positive attributes of people suffering from this condition. It is crucial to remind your partner of their positive attributes such as their ability to think creatively and be able to concentrate for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk to other people
If you or your child have issues at work, school, or in relationships, it could be time to have 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 disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The good news is that many people who are diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with therapy. It is important to discuss your issues with your therapist, no matter if you choose online counseling or face-to-face therapy. It's also crucial to explain how these symptoms impact your life. This will help your therapist better understand your perspective and help you.
Contact your primary care doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During the assessment, the doctor may review your symptoms and past ratings, or complete rating scales and questions, and perform an examination. They will also likely conduct an examination of your family history and ask about your education, environment and the way of life.
When the diagnosis is established, it is important to discuss the diagnosis with your supervisors, coworkers, and teachers. They may be able to offer accommodations to assist you in achieving your goals. For example, they may give more detailed explanations or provide extra time for certain tasks.
Have adhd diagnosis or your child ever gotten lost in a homework assignment, daydreamed in class, or behaved without thinking? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most frequent mental illness among teens and children. It's also a condition that can continue throughout adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they have symptoms until they encounter issues at work or in relationships.