How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
It's not always easy to identify ADHD. There are many obstacles that hinder the process including a lack access to treatment to a general practitioner who is reluctant to refer patients for an evaluation.
Professionals who are certified to perform ADHD testing include psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. Ask trusted therapists and doctors for recommendations and then do your research.
1. Speak to Your Doctor
It's first important to find a qualified health professional or doctor to help evaluate and manage ADHD symptoms. It could take some time and be frustrating, but the final result is worth it. You may have to see several people before you find someone who understands your needs and your beliefs concerning ADHD. Also, be sure to consider your stance on medication. If you're not in favor of it, be sure to state your opinion up front so that you don't have to spend time with someone who doesn't listen to you.
The patient interview is the starting point to determine if a person has ADHD. The doctor will usually ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. Additionally how to get an adult adhd diagnosis could use an assessment scale or other tools to assess how often symptoms are present.
A mental health professional may also conduct an interview with the patient's closest relatives (spouses parents, spouses or children for adults) and request them to complete evaluation forms. This provides the examiner with an understanding of the impact of the ADHD symptoms on the person's life. Talking about the symptoms with your spouse or partner will help you gain a more understanding of what they are experiencing.
In addition, a mental health professional will typically conduct a physical examination to rule out any other issues which could be contributing to the person's difficulties. A health professional may do a blood check to see if there are high levels of certain chemicals associated with ADHD. They can also conduct an imaging test of the brain to determine the flow of blood in the brain and to look for signs of enlarged brain structures linked to ADHD.
2. Talk to Your Child's Teacher
Teachers often observe unusual behaviors in children, and they can be an invaluable source of information. They can assist you in determining whether or not your child's issues are due to ADHD. They may also assist in ensuring that your child receives the support they need at school.
When you talk to your teacher about your child's ADHD, it's best to set up a meeting with them at 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 start of the first day of school.
In the course of evaluating your child for ADHD, doctors will often ask you to bring in feedback from people who interact with your child (like teachers). The doctor will inquire about what time your child's symptoms have been evident and if they are affecting academic performance. They may also ask you questions regarding your child's behavior at home as well as with family and friends or at work.
Some adults with ADHD didn't get diagnosed as children due to the fact that they weren't treated for their symptoms or because their symptoms were attributed to other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Adults may forget their past struggles with ADHD or believe that they "grew out" of them.
In an ADHD evaluation, you could be asked to fill out questionnaires with family members as well as close friends and colleagues. The evaluator might also ask you to provide report cards from your education, and if possible, your prior health history. These documents will help the evaluator understand the history of ADHD and how it affects your daily life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many people with ADHD have had the disorder for years without being diagnosed. They may experience a myriad of unanswered frustrations and issues with their work, friends, and family. For some, it may be a relief discover the reason behind their problems, especially when they realise how many others struggle with the same issues and realize that they're not the only ones. For others, the diagnosis could cause sadness and anger as they reflect on lost opportunities in childhood, underachievement in their professional life, and miscommunications in relationships.
A specialist can help you identify the symptoms of adult ADHD. This could be a clinical psychiatrist or a physician with experience in ADHD. Most often, recommendations for specialists will be offered by therapists, GPs or other healthcare professionals. It is recommended to gather as much information about the specialist you will be visiting as you can and include details about their qualifications as a professional and academic background. You can ask for recommendations and conducting searches on the internet.
Once you have identified a professional who is qualified, discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your life. If you're having trouble finding an expert, ask your family and friends who they have visited and what their experience was like. You can also learn more about the qualifications and reviews of specialists on the internet.
When discussing your issues with a doctor or psychiatrist and be honest about how your behaviors affect you. They will inquire if the behaviors cause you distress or how your performance at work is affected. Bring any documentation you require. This will be a basis for your request for accommodations at work, for example flexible hours, early morning meetings, or the option to take an afternoon nap.
4. Speak to your spouse
Adults suffering from ADHD may not be aware of the disorder until a friend brings it to their attention or they encounter frustrating life circumstances. For instance, they may not be capable of meeting deadlines for work, have difficulty communicating with family or friends, or get into accidents with their vehicle due to impulsive driving. Other symptoms include procrastination difficulty staying organized and issues in executive functioning such as time management, planning or organizational 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 talk in person, but if that isn't possible, try video chat or email to keep eye contact and a sense connection. You can also ask for assistance from a mental health professional who is trained in ADHD to guide the conversation and help you understand how symptoms manifest in your daily life.
After you have discussed the issues surrounding your partner's ADHD with them, look for ways to help them be treated and be supported. Avoid pointing out or arguing with them because it can make them feel overwhelmed and defensive. Instead, be positive by playing games with them and offering them various strategies that can assist them in managing their symptoms, including scheduling appointments and reminders in advance and establishing boundaries on electronic devices, taking turns in conversations with one another, and using visual aids to communicate if their mind gets lost.
While ADHD can affect relationships, it is important to acknowledge that many sufferers have positive attributes as well. It is important to remind your spouse of the positive things about them, for example their problem-solving abilities and creativity, as well as the ability to stay focused for long periods of time on new tasks.
5. Talk to other people
If you or your children have issues at school, at work or in relationships, it may be time to get the ADHD evaluation. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is often misdiagnosed, and many of its symptoms can also be present in other mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression.
The good news is, many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms with therapy. If you decide to pursue online therapy or in-person it is important to discuss the symptoms you're experiencing with your therapy provider. It's also essential to describe how these symptoms affect your life. This will help your therapist better comprehend your viewpoint and will be able to assist you.
Contact your primary care doctor to recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can perform an ADHD assessment. During the assessment, your doctor will likely review your symptoms and history as well as complete rating scales and questionnaires and perform physical examination. They will also inquire about your family history, education, and your environment.
It is important to discuss the issue with your teachers, coworkers, and supervisors. They are often able to provide adjustments that can help you succeed by providing more detailed explanations, or extra time for specific tasks.
Have you or your child ever misplaced a homework assignment, daydreamed in class, or performed actions without thinking? These are all indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is the most common mental health condition for children and teens. It can also persist throughout adulthood. Many adults don't realize they are suffering until they experience difficulties at work or in relationships.