How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. There are many obstacles that can stand in the way including a lack access to care to a general practitioner who refuses to refer patients for an evaluation.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers are trained professionals who can perform ADHD testing. Ask trusted getting diagnosed with adhd and doctors for recommendations and conduct your own research.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
It is essential to find an expert or doctor who can help you assess and manage ADHD symptoms. It could take some time and be a bit frustrating but the final result is worth it. You may need to visit multiple people before you find one who can meet your requirements and views on treating ADHD. Also, you should take a look at your position on medication. If you're against it, make sure to state your opinion in advance so that you don't waste your time with someone who doesn't take your side or even agree with you.
The interview with the patient is the first step to determine if a person has ADHD. The doctor will ask the patient to elaborate on their symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor may also use an assessment system or other instruments to determine the frequency symptoms are present.
A mental health professional will typically interview 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 an understanding of the effect of ADHD symptoms on a person's daily life. Discussion with your partner or spouse will help you gain a better understanding of what they are experiencing.
Additionally, the mental health professional will usually do a physical exam to rule out any other issues that may be causing the person's problems. A health care professional could perform a blood test to determine if there are high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD. They may also do an imaging test of the brain to assess the flow of blood through the brain and check for signs of an increase in brain structures associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to your child's teacher
Teachers are usually able to provide valuable information about children's peculiar behavior. They can help you determine if the symptoms of your child may be caused by ADHD. They can also assist in ensuring that your child receive the help they need at school.
It is recommended to meet with your child's teacher prior to the start of the school year to discuss ADHD. It will be easier for your child's teacher to communicate with you by scheduling an initial meeting prior to the first day of school.
During the ADHD evaluation, doctors often request feedback from people who are with your children (such as teachers). The doctor will inquire about how long your child's symptoms have been evident and if they are affecting academic performance. They might also ask you questions about your child's behavior at home as well as with family and friends or at work.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because they weren't properly treated or because their symptoms were wrongly as a result of anxiety or depression. In adulthood, people may forget about their struggles as children with ADHD symptoms or believe that they "grew out of them."
During an ADHD assessment, you could be required to complete questionnaires along with family members, colleagues, and close friends. The evaluator might also request reports from your school and, if possible you have a medical history prior to the evaluation. These documents will help the evaluator to know your history of ADHD and how it impacts your daily life.
3. Speak to your co-workers
Many people suffering from ADHD have suffered from the disorder for years without being diagnosed. They may experience a myriad of unanswered frustrations and issues with their work, friends, and family. Some people will be relieved to know that they are not alone in their struggles and will be relieved to realize how many others struggle with similar issues. Others may feel anger or sadness as they think about mistakes they made in their childhood, their underachievement at work, and miscommunications with their peers.
The best way to receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to visit an expert. This could be a psychologist or physician with expertise in ADHD. GPs, therapists, or other healthcare professionals may recommend specialists. It is recommended to obtain as much information about the person you'll be seeing as possible, such as their academic qualifications and professional background. Asking for recommendations or searching the internet can aid you.
Once you have found a qualified professional talk about your symptoms with them about how they impact your life. If you're having a hard finding a specialist, ask your family and friends who they have been to and what their experience was like. You can also find out more about specialist qualifications and ratings on the internet.
Be honest when discussing your symptoms with your doctor or psychiatrist. They will ask if the behaviours cause you distress or whether your work performance is affected. Bring any documentation you may need. This will aid in supporting your request for a workplace accommodation like flexible working hours such as early morning meetings or the possibility of taking a daytime break.
4. Talk with Your Spouse
Adults suffering from ADHD might not be aware that they have the disorder until their partner brings it up or they encounter a number of frustrating events, like being unable to meet deadlines at work, having a difficult time staying in touch with family or friends, or causing accidents with their vehicle due to reckless driving. Other symptoms include procrastination problems with organization and issues with executive functioning such as time management and planning or organizational skills.
If you are in a relationship with someone who suffers from ADHD try talking to them about their symptoms and how they impact your relationship. It is best to speak face-to-face, but if that isn't possible, use video chatting or email to keep eye contact and feel a sense of connection. You can also seek out an expert in mental health who is skilled in ADHD for advice and help you both understand the symptoms in your daily life.
When you have discussed the issues relating to your partner's ADHD, find ways to support them and help them get treatment. Avoid scolding or arguing with them because this will make them feel defensive and overwhelmed. Instead, try to be helpful by playing role-playing situations with them and offering them a variety of helpful strategies to help them manage their symptoms, such as scheduling appointments and reminders ahead of time, setting boundaries regarding electronic devices, using a turn when talking to each other, and using visual aids to communicate if their mind gets distracted.
While ADHD can have a negative effect on relationships, it is important to recognize that people suffering from the disorder have positive attributes as well. It is important to remind your partner of their positive attributes, such as their ability to solve problems with creativity and to focus for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk with other people
If you or your child are struggling at school, at work or in relationships, it could be time for an ADHD evaluation. It's important to know that ADHD is often misdiagnosed, and many of the symptoms are present in other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The positive side is that a lot of people who get diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with therapy. It is important to discuss your issues with your therapist, no matter if you opt for online counseling or face-to-face therapy. It's also helpful to discuss the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, since it will help them get to know your perspective and become better equipped to assist you.
Request your primary care physician to refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can perform an ADHD assessment. During the assessment the doctor will go over your symptoms as well as past experiences ratings, or complete rating scales and questions, and conduct an examination. They may also conduct a family history and ask about your education, surroundings and upbringing.
Once the diagnosis is made, it's important to talk about it with your supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. They may be able to offer accommodations to aid you in your success. For example, they may give more specific explanations or grant extra time for certain tasks.
Have you or your children ever gotten distracted by a homework assignment, daydreamed during class or acted without thinking about the consequences? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most prevalent mental illness in children and teenagers. It's also a condition that can continue throughout adulthood. Many adults don't know they have symptoms until they experience issues at work or in relationships.