How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't always simple. There are many obstacles that can be in the way from a lack of access to care to a general practitioner who is unwilling to refer patients for an evaluation.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers are all qualified professionals who can perform ADHD testing. Do your research and consult with trusted therapists and physicians for suggestions.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
First, it's crucial to find a reputable doctor or health professional to assist in evaluating and managing ADHD symptoms. It can take time and be difficult, but the final result is worth it. It may be necessary to see many people before you discover one who understands your requirements and views on treating ADHD. Be sure to also take note of your position on medications. If undiagnosed adhd adults against it make sure you state your opinion up front to avoid spending time with someone who doesn't listen to you.
The patient's interview is the first step to determine if a person has ADHD. The doctor will ask the patient to explain in detail their symptoms and how they impact their lives. Additionally the doctor could employ a rating scale or other tools to assess how frequently the symptoms occur.
A mental health professional will also usually interview the patient's significant others (spouse parents, spouse, or siblings for adults) and ask them to fill out evaluation forms. This will allow the examiner to gain an understanding of the way ADHD symptoms affect a person. Discussion with your partner or spouse will help you gain a more understanding of what they are going through.
In addition, a mental health professional will usually conduct a physical examination to rule out other ailments that may be causing the person's issues. A health care professional might do a blood check to see if there are high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with ADHD. They could also perform an exam of the brain to measure blood flow in the brain and check for signs of an increase in brain structures that are associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to the teacher of your child.
Teachers often observe unusual behaviors in children, and they can be an invaluable source of information. They can help you determine if your child's symptoms could be due to ADHD. They can also assist in ensuring that your child receive the support they need at school.
If you want to talk to your child's teacher about ADHD it is best to schedule an appointment with them prior to the beginning of the year. You can make it easier for your child's teacher communicate with you by scheduling an initial meeting prior to the start of the first day of class.
During the ADHD assessment, doctors usually require feedback from people who interact with your children (such as teachers). The doctor will ask how long your child's symptoms have been present 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 suffering from ADHD were not diagnosed as children because they weren't treated for their symptoms, or because the symptoms were attributed to other problems like anxiety or depression. Adults may forget their past 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, or close friends. The evaluator may also ask you to provide report cards from your education, and if possible you have a medical history prior to the evaluation. These records will help the evaluator understand the history of your ADHD and see how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many adults with ADHD have suffered from the condition without ever being diagnosed. They might experience a range of unanswered problems and frustrations with friends, work and family. Some people will be relieved to know that they're not the only ones struggling when they realize how many others are struggling with similar issues. For others, the diagnosis might bring sadness and anger as they think about missed opportunities in childhood, lack of success in their professional life, and miscommunications in relationships.
A specialist can assist you to identify the symptoms of adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist or doctor who has expertise in ADHD. Often the recommendations for specialists are provided by therapists, GPs or other healthcare professionals. It is recommended to gather as much information about the person you'll be visiting as you can including their academic qualifications and professional background. Asking for recommendations or searching the internet can aid you.
Once you've identified a professional who is qualified, 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 about the doctors they've been to and what their experience was. You can also learn more about specialist qualifications and ratings on the internet.
When discussing your symptoms with a psychiatrist or a doctor, be open about how the behaviors are affecting you. They will inquire if the behaviors cause you distress or whether your work performance is affected. Bring any documentation you may require. This will be a basis for your request for accommodations at work, like flexible hours, early morning meetings, or the option to take the day off.
4. Talk with Your Spouse
Adults with ADHD may not realize they suffer from the condition until their partner mentions it or they are confronted by stressful life circumstances, such as being unable to meet deadlines at work, having difficulty staying in contact with friends or family or getting into accidents in the car due to impulsive driving. Symptoms also include trouble organizing, procrastinating and having issues in executive functions, such as time management, planning or organizing 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 speak in person, but if this isn't feasible, you can use video chatting or email to keep eye contact and feel 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 both to understand how symptoms manifest in your daily lives.
After you've discussed the issues relating to your partner's ADHD with them, look for ways to help them get treated and also to help them. Avoid scolding or nagging them as it can make them feel overwhelmed and defensive. Instead, be positive by playing games with them and offering them a variety of helpful strategies to assist them in managing their symptoms, such as scheduling appointments and reminders ahead of time and establishing boundaries regarding electronic devices, using a turn when speaking to one another, and using visual aids to communicate when their mind gets lost.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is important to recognize that a lot of people with the condition have positive attributes as well. It is beneficial to remind your spouse of the good things about them, like their problem-solving abilities and creativity, as well as the ability to hyperfocus for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk to other People
If you or your child have issues at school, at work, or in relationships, it could be time to have the ADHD assessment. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is often misdiagnosed, and many of its symptoms can be present in other mental conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The good news is that many people diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with therapy. If you decide to pursue online therapy or in-person counseling it is important to discuss the issues you're experiencing with your therapist. It's also beneficial to explain the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, since they will be able to comprehend your perspective and be better equipped to assist you.
Speak to your primary care provider and ask for an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During the assessment, your doctor will likely review your symptoms and history as well as complete rating scales and questionnaires, and then conduct a physical exam. They will also likely conduct a family history and ask about your education, the environment and upbringing.
It's important to discuss the diagnosis with your teachers, coworkers, and supervisors. They may be able to offer accommodations to help you succeed. For instance they could provide more detailed explanations or allow additional time for certain tasks.
Have you or your child ever misplaced an assignment for homework, wished away time in class or acted without thinking? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common mental illness in children and teenagers. It's also an illness that can persist throughout adulthood. Many adults don't recognize they have symptoms until they experience problems at work or in a relationship.