How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
It is not always simple to identify ADHD. There are many obstacles that can stand in the way from a lack of access to treatment to a general practitioner who refuses to refer patients for evaluations.
Professionals who are certified to perform ADHD testing include psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. Consult trusted therapists or doctors for recommendations and then do your own research.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
It's first important to find a qualified health professional or doctor to assess and manage ADHD symptoms. It could take some time and be difficult but the end result is worth it. It may take many people before you can find someone who can meet your requirements and your views regarding ADHD. Make sure to consider your stance regarding medication. If you're against it, be sure to state your opinion up front to avoid spending time with someone who doesn't take you seriously.
The interview with the patient is the first step in determining if a person has ADHD. The doctor will typically ask the patient to describe their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. The doctor could also use an assessment system or other tools to determine the frequency symptoms are present.
A mental health professional will usually interview the person's significant other family members (spouse parents, spouse or siblings for adults) and ask them to complete evaluation forms. This helps the examiner gain an understanding of the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect a person. Discussing the symptoms with your partner or spouse will help you gain a better understanding of what they're experiencing.
Additionally, the mental health professional will typically conduct a physical examination to rule out other conditions which could be contributing to the person's issues. A health care professional might conduct a blood test to determine if there are high levels of certain chemicals associated with ADHD. They may also conduct an examination of the brain that measures the flow of blood in the brain and check for signs of increased structures in the brain associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to your child's teacher
Teachers are usually able to provide useful information regarding children's behavior that is unusual. They can help you determine if your child's issues may be caused by ADHD. They also assist in helping your child receive the support they need at school.
If you are talking to your teacher about your child's ADHD and other issues, it's recommended to schedule an appointment with them at the beginning of the school year. You can make it 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 frequently ask that you bring in feedback from people who spend time with your children (such as teachers). The doctor will inquire about what time your child's symptoms have been evident and if they are affecting academic performance. They will also likely ask you questions regarding your child's behavior at home or with family and friends or at work.
Some adults suffering from ADHD didn't get diagnosed as children because they were not treated for their symptoms, or because the symptoms were attributed to other problems like depression or anxiety. In adulthood, adults can sometimes forget about their struggles as children with ADHD symptoms or assume they "grew out of them."
In an ADHD evaluation, you could be required to complete questionnaires with family members, close friends, and colleagues. The evaluator may also request your report cards as well as possibly, your previous health history. These documents will assist the evaluator in understanding your past experiences with ADHD and see how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to your coworkers
Many people with ADHD live with the disorder for a long time without ever having a diagnosis. Many people with ADHD have issues, frustrations and even problems at work and in their families. Some people will be relieved to know they are not alone in their struggles and will be relieved to realize how many others struggle with similar issues. Some may feel anger and sadness as they consider the opportunities they missed in their childhood, their underachievement at work, or miscommunications with their peers.
The best method to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to consult a specialist. This could be a clinical psychologist or physician with expertise in ADHD. Most often the recommendations for specialists will be provided by GPs, therapists or other healthcare professionals. It is recommended to obtain as much information regarding the doctor you'll be meeting as you can and include details about their qualifications as a professional and academic background. You can do this by asking for recommendations and conducting searches on the internet.
If you've found a qualified person, talk with them about your issues and how they affect your life. If you're having a hard time finding a specialist, ask family and friends who they have visited and what their experience was like. You can also find out more about the qualifications and ratings of experts on the internet.
When discussing your symptoms with a psychiatrist or a doctor Be honest about how the behaviours affect you. They will inquire if the behaviors cause you distress or how your performance at work is affected. Bring any documentation you might require. This will help support your request for accommodation at work, for example flexible hours and early morning meetings or the possibility of taking an afternoon nap.
4. Talk with Your Spouse
Adults suffering from ADHD may not be aware of the disorder until a friend alerts them to the problem or they encounter stressful life circumstances. For instance they may not be capable of meeting deadlines for work, have difficulty communicating with their family or friends, or get into car accidents due impulsive driving. Symptoms also include trouble organizing, procrastinating and having trouble with executive functioning, like time management, planning or organizing skills.
If you're in a relationship, discuss with your partner their ADHD symptoms and how they affect your relationship. It is best to speak in person, but if this isn't possible, try video chatting or email to keep eye contact and a sense connection. iampsychiatry can also seek assistance from a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD to guide your conversation and help both recognize how the symptoms play out in your daily life.
After discussing the issues relating to your partner's ADHD with them, look for ways to help them be treated and be supported. Avoid nagging or criticizing them, as this will only make them feel overburdened and defensive. Instead, try to be helpful by playing role-playing situations with them and providing them with a variety of helpful strategies that can help them manage their symptoms, such as scheduling appointments and reminders in advance and setting boundaries around electronic devices, using a turn when speaking to one another and using visual aids to communicate when their brain gets distracted.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is crucial to acknowledge that many people suffering from the disorder have positive attributes as well. It is beneficial to remind your spouse of the good things about them, like their ability to think creatively and solve problems, as well as their ability to stay focused for long periods of time on novel tasks.
5. Talk to Other People
If you or your child are having difficulty in school, at work or in a relationship, it may be time for an ADHD assessment. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is often misdiagnosed and many of its symptoms may be present in other mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
The good news is that many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD can overcome their symptoms through therapy. It is essential to discuss your symptoms with your therapist, regardless of whether you opt for face-toface or online counseling. It's also helpful to discuss the impact these symptoms can have on your life, as this will help them comprehend your perspective and be better equipped to assist you.
Contact your primary care physician and request an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During the examination, the doctor may review your symptoms and previous ratings scales, answer questions, and then conduct an exam. They will also likely conduct a family history and ask about your education, the environment and the way of life.
Once the diagnosis is established, it is important to talk about it with your co-workers, supervisors and teachers. They may be able to offer you accommodations that will help you succeed by providing more detailed explanations and extra time for specific tasks.
Have you or your children ever forgotten a home assignment, or wished you had a better day or behaved without considering the consequences? These are all indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is the most common mental health condition in teens and children. This condition can also continue throughout adulthood. In reality, many adults don't even realize they have symptoms until they start having trouble at work or in relationships.