How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
It is not always simple to determine ADHD. There are many obstacles that stand in the way, from a lack of access to care to a general practitioner who is unwilling to refer patients to an evaluation.
Professionals with the right qualifications to conduct ADHD testing include psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. Do your homework and consult trusted therapists and doctors for suggestions.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
First, it's important to find a qualified doctor or health professional to assist in evaluating and managing ADHD symptoms. It may take some time and can be difficult, but it's worth it in the end. You may need to visit many people before you discover someone who understands your requirements and views on treating ADHD. Also, be aware of your beliefs regarding medications. If you're not in favor of it, ensure you express your position upfront to avoid spending time with someone who doesn't listen to you.
The patient interview is the primary point for determining whether someone has ADHD. The doctor will usually ask the patient to describe their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. Additionally the doctor might employ an assessment scale or other tools to gauge how often symptoms are present.
A mental health professional will also typically speak with the patient's significant other family members (spouse, parents, or siblings for adults) and ask them to complete evaluation forms. This gives the examiner an understanding of the impact of ADHD symptoms on a person's life. Discussion with your spouse or partner can help you gain a more understanding of what they are going through.
A mental health professional could conduct a physical exam to rule out any other issues 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 exam of the brain to determine the flow of blood in the brain and check for signs of enlarged brain structures that are associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to your child's teacher.
Teachers often notice unusual behaviors in children and can be an excellent source of information. They can help you determine whether or not your child's symptoms are due to ADHD. They can also help your child receive the help they require at school.
When you talk to your child's teacher about ADHD and other issues, it's recommended to schedule an appointment with them prior to the beginning of the school year. It will be easier for your child's teacher to communicate with you by scheduling an initial meeting prior to the first day of class.
During the evaluation for ADHD the doctor will typically ask you to bring in feedback from people who are close to your child (like teachers). The doctor will be interested in knowing how long your child has suffered from symptoms and whether they are affecting their academic performance. You will be asked about your child's behavior, whether at home in school, at home or with family members and friends.
Some adults with ADHD didn't get diagnosed as children due to the fact that they were not treated for their issues or because the symptoms were attributed to other conditions like anxiety or depression. Adults may forget their childhood struggles with ADHD or believe that they "grew out" of them.
During an ADHD assessment, you may be asked to fill out questionnaires with family members as well as close friends and colleagues. The evaluator might also ask for your report cards as well as in the event that it is possible, your past health history. These documents will assist the evaluator in understanding your past experiences with ADHD and how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to your coworkers about their experiences.
Many adults with ADHD live with the condition for years without ever receiving a diagnosis. They may experience a myriad of unexplained frustrations and problems with work, friends and family. Some people are relieved to know they are not the only ones struggling when they realize how many others struggle with similar issues. For others, the diagnosis might be a source of anger and sadness when they consider the opportunities they missed in their childhood, lack of success in their professional life, and miscommunications in relationships.
The best way to receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to visit a specialist. This could be a clinical psychiatrist or physician who has expertise in ADHD. Often specialist recommendations will be provided by GPs, therapists or other healthcare professionals. It is important to learn as much as you can about the professional who you will be visiting as well as their academic and professional background. You can ask for recommendations or conducting an online search.
Once you've found a competent person, talk with them about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Ask your family and acquaintances for recommendations if are having difficulty finding a specialist. You can also learn more about specialist qualifications and ratings on the internet.
Be honest when discussing your issues with your doctor or psychiatrist. They will ask if the behaviours cause you stress or how your performance at work is affected. If you are required to bring evidence of your diagnosis. This will aid in supporting your request for a workplace accommodation such as flexible working hours and early morning meetings, or the option of taking a daytime break.
4. Talk to Your Partner
Adults with ADHD may not be aware of the condition until a friend is able to bring it to their attention or they encounter difficult life situations. For example they might not be in a position to meet deadlines at work and have trouble communicating with friends or family, or get into car accidents due impulsive driving. Symptoms also include trouble organizing, procrastinating and having issues with executive functioning, like planning, time management or organizational skills.
If you are in a relationship with someone who has ADHD try talking with them about their issues and how they affect your relationship. I Am Psychiatry is best to discuss the issue 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 consult an expert in mental health who is skilled in ADHD for guidance and to help you both understand the signs and symptoms that you experience in your daily life.
After you've discussed the issues surrounding your partner's ADHD with them, find ways to help them be treated and be supported. Avoid scolding or judging them, as this will only make them feel stressed and defensive. Instead, be helpful by playing role-playing situations with them and providing them with a variety of helpful strategies that can aid them in managing their symptoms, such as scheduling appointments and reminders in advance, setting boundaries regarding electronic devices, taking turns when speaking to one another and using visual aids to communicate if their mind gets distracted.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is important to acknowledge that many people with the condition possess positive qualities as well. It is beneficial to remind your spouse of the good things about them, like their creative problem-solving skills and ability to hyperfocus for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk with other people
If you or your child is having trouble at school, at work or in relationship, it might be time for an 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 conditions like depression or anxiety.
The positive side is that a lot of people diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with therapy. If you decide to pursue online therapy or in-person counseling, it's important to discuss the issues you're experiencing with your therapist. It's also beneficial to explain the impact these symptoms 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 conduct an ADHD assessment. During the evaluation the doctor will review your symptoms and previous ratings, or complete rating scales and questions, and perform a physical examination. They may also conduct an oral history of your family and inquire about your education, the environment and your upbringing.
It's important to discuss the diagnosis with your colleagues, teachers, and supervisors. They can often offer accommodations to assist you in achieving your goals by providing more detailed explanations and extra time for certain tasks.
Have you or your child ever misplaced homework assignments, wished you were in class, or performed actions without thinking? These are all indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is the most frequent mental health condition in children and teens. It's also an illness that can persist into adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they are suffering until they experience problems at work or in relationships.