How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't always simple. There are many hurdles to overcome, ranging from lack of access to health care to a doctor who is unwilling to recommend.
Professionals who are certified to perform 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 crucial to find a qualified health professional or doctor to help evaluate and manage ADHD symptoms. This may take a while and be frustrating but it's worth it in the long run. You may have to meet with multiple people before you find someone who understands your preferences and beliefs about treating ADHD. Make sure to take note of your position on medication. If you're not in favor of it, be sure to state your opinion upfront to ensure that you don't waste your time with someone who won't listen to you or agree with you.
The patient interview is the starting place to determine if an individual suffers from ADHD. The doctor will ask the patient to describe in detail their symptoms and how they affect their lives. The doctor may also use an assessment system or other tools to determine how often the symptoms occur.
A mental health professional may also conduct an interview with the patient's closest relatives (spouses, parents or children for adults) and request them to fill out evaluation forms. This provides the examiner with a broader perspective of the impact of the ADHD symptoms on a person's life. Discussion with your partner or spouse will help you gain a more understanding of what they're experiencing.
A mental health professional can also conduct a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing issues. For example, a health care professional might conduct a blood test to check for elevated levels of certain substances in the body that are associated with ADHD. They can also conduct a brain imaging exam to determine the flow of blood in the brain and check for signs of enlarged brain structures associated with ADHD.
2. Talk to your child's teacher
Teachers are usually able to give valuable information regarding children's unusual behavior. They can help you determine whether or not your child's problems are caused by ADHD. They can be instrumental in ensuring that your child receives the help they require at school.
If you want to talk to your child's teacher about ADHD, it's best to set up an appointment with them prior to the beginning of the school year. You can make it easier for your child's teacher communicate with you by scheduling an initial meeting prior to the first day of school.
During the evaluation for ADHD the doctor will typically request feedback from people who are close to 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. You will be asked about your child's behavior whether at home, at school or with family and friends.
Some adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because they weren't properly treated or because their symptoms were incorrectly attributed to depression or anxiety. In adulthood, adults may forget about their past struggles with ADHD symptoms or assume they "grew out of them."
During an ADHD assessment, you could be required to complete questionnaires with family members, colleagues, or close friends. The evaluator could also ask for your report cards as well as possibly, your previous health history. These records will aid the evaluator in understanding your history with ADHD and how it affects your life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many people with ADHD have suffered from the disorder for years without being diagnosed. Many people with ADHD have issues, frustrations and even problems at work, and within their families. Some people may be happy to know that they are not alone in their struggles when they realize how many others are struggling with similar issues. For others, the diagnosis may be a source of anger and sadness as they reflect on the opportunities they missed in their childhood, lack of success in their career and misunderstandings in relationships.
The best way to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD is to see an expert. This could be a psychiatrist or physician who has expertise in ADHD. GPs or therapists, as well as other healthcare professionals may recommend specialists. It is important to find out the most you can about the doctor that you will be visiting in terms of their academic and professional background. Requesting recommendations or searching the internet can help you.
If you've found a qualified person, talk to them about your symptoms and how they impact your life. Ask your family and acquaintances for recommendations if are having trouble finding an expert. You can also find out more about the qualifications and ratings of specialists on the internet.
When discussing your symptoms with a doctor or psychiatrist, be open about how the behaviors are affecting you. They will want to know if they cause you anxiety and affecting your performance at work. If you are required to bring evidence of your diagnosis. 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 to your spouse
Adults with ADHD might not be aware of the condition until a friend alerts them to the problem or they are faced with stressful life events. For instance, they may not be able to meet work deadlines or communicate effectively with their family or friends, or get into accidents with their vehicle due to impulsive driving. Other signs include procrastination, problems with organization and difficulties with executive functioning, such as time management and planning skills.
If you're in a relationship, talk to your partner about their ADHD symptoms and how they affect your relationship. If you can't talk face-toface then try video chatting or email to keep eye contact and a connection. You can also consult an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD for advice and to help you both understand the symptoms you encounter in your everyday life.
After discussing the issues surrounding your partner's ADHD with them, you can find ways to assist them in getting treated and to support them. Avoid criticizing or arguing with them because this will make them feel defensive and overwhelmed. Instead, help them by playing out scenarios and supplying them with useful strategies that can assist them in managing their symptoms.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is crucial to acknowledge that many people suffering from the disorder possess positive qualities as well. It's important to remind your spouse of their strengths such as their ability to solve problems with creativity and be able to concentrate for long periods on novel tasks.
5. Talk with others
If you or your child is having difficulty in school, at work, or in relationship, it might be time to seek an ADHD assessment. It's important to note that ADHD is often misdiagnosed and many of the symptoms are present in other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The good news is that many people diagnosed with ADHD can overcome their symptoms through therapy. Whether you decide to try online counseling or in-person therapy it's crucial to discuss the issues you're experiencing with your therapy provider. It's also helpful to discuss the impact that these symptoms can have on your life as this will help them understand your perspective and be better equipped to assist you.
Request your primary care physician to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During adhd diagnosing , your doctor will likely review your symptoms and medical history and complete rating scales or questionnaires, and conduct physical examination. They will also likely do an oral history of your family and inquire about your education, the environment and your upbringing.
It is important to discuss the condition with your colleagues, teachers and supervisors. They may be able to offer you accommodations to aid you in your success, such as more in-depth explanations and additional time for certain tasks.
Have you or your child ever forgotten a homework assignment, daydreamed in class, or performed actions without thinking? These are all signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is the most frequent mental health condition in teens and children. It can also persist throughout adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they have symptoms until they experience difficulties at work or in relationships.