How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. There are many obstacles to overcome, from the lack of access health care to a doctor who refuses to refer you.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are trained professionals who are able to conduct ADHD tests. Do your homework and consult with trusted therapists and physicians for suggestions.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
It's important to first find a health professional or doctor who can help you assess and manage ADHD symptoms. It could take some time and be frustrating but the end result is worth it. You may have to meet with multiple people before you find one who understands your requirements and views on treating ADHD. Also, you should take a look at your position on medication. If you are against it, be sure to express your opinion prior to deciding so that you don't waste your time with someone who doesn't be able to listen or agree with you.
The patient interview is the first point to determine if a person has ADHD. The doctor will typically ask the patient to describe their symptoms in detail and how they affect their lives. Additionally the doctor might employ a rating scale or other tools to determine the frequency of symptoms.
A mental health professional will also typically speak with the patients' significant other family members (spouse parents, spouse or siblings for adults) and request them to fill out evaluation forms. This allows the examiner to gain a better understanding of the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect a person. It is often helpful for spouses and partners to discuss the symptoms together to help them gain a better understanding of the struggles of their partners.
A mental health professional can also perform a physical examination to rule out other issues that could be contributing to a person's issues. A health care professional might perform a blood test to determine if there are high levels of certain chemicals associated with ADHD. They could also perform an exam of the brain to assess the flow of blood through the brain and look for signs of enlarged brain structures that are associated with ADHD.
2. Speak to your child's teacher
Teachers can often give valuable information regarding children's behavior that is unusual. They can help you determine if your child's symptoms could be due to ADHD. They can be instrumental in helping your child get the support they require at school.
It is best to talk with your child's teachers at the start of the school year to discuss ADHD. They could be overwhelmed by 25-30 new students by the start of the school year and you can make it easier for them to communicate with you if you schedule an initial meeting before the first day of school.
During the ADHD evaluation, doctors often require feedback from people who interact with your children (such as teachers). The doctor will want to know for how long your child has suffered from symptoms and if they are affecting their academic performance. They may also ask you questions about your child's behavior at home, with friends and family or at work.
Some adults suffering from ADHD weren't diagnosed as children because they were not treated for their symptoms or because their symptoms were attributed to other conditions like anxiety or depression. getting a adhd diagnosis can forget their childhood struggles with ADHD or think they "grew out" of these issues.
In an ADHD assessment, you could be required to complete questionnaires along with family members, colleagues, and close friends. The evaluator may also request reports from your school and, if possible the previous health history. These records will assist the evaluator in understanding your history with ADHD and how it affects your life.
3. Talk to Your Co-Workers
Many people with ADHD live with the condition for decades without ever being diagnosed. They may experience a myriad of unanswered problems and frustrations with work, friends and family. For some, it will come as a relief to finally have a reason for their issues, particularly when they realize how many others have the same problems and that they're certainly not alone. For others, the diagnosis may bring sadness and anger when they consider 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 doctor with experience in ADHD. Most often, recommendations for specialists will be provided by GPs, therapists or other healthcare professionals. It is advisable to get as much information regarding the person you'll be meeting as you can and include details about their qualifications as a professional and academic background. You can ask for recommendations and conducting an online search.
Once you have found a qualified professional talk about your symptoms with them about how they impact your life. Ask family and friends for recommendations if you are having difficulty finding an expert. You can also find out more about the qualifications of specialists and ratings on the internet.
When discussing your issues with a psychiatrist or doctor and be honest about how the behaviours are affecting you. They'll want to know if the behaviors cause you distress and if they are impacting your work performance. Bring any documentation you might require. This will help support your request for an accommodation at work, for example flexible hours or early morning meetings or the option to take an afternoon nap.
4. Talk with Your Spouse
Adults with ADHD may not realize they have the disorder until their partner brings it up or they are confronted by stressful life situations, such as not being able to meet deadlines at work, having difficulty keeping in touch with friends or family, or causing car accidents because of impulsive driving. Other symptoms include difficulty staying organized, procrastinating, and having difficulty with executive functioning, like time management, planning, or the ability to organize.
If you are in an intimate relationship with someone who suffers from ADHD try talking to them about their problems and how they affect your relationship. It is best to talk face-to-face, but if that isn't possible, use video chat or email to keep eye contact and feel a sense of connection. You can also ask a mental health specialist who is specialized in ADHD for advice and to assist you in understanding the signs and symptoms that you experience in your daily life.
After you've discussed the causes of your partner's ADHD with them, look for ways to assist them in getting treated and be supported. Avoid scolding or judging them, as this will only make them feel stressed and defensive. Instead, you should be positive by playing games with them and providing them with various strategies that can aid them in managing their symptoms, like scheduling appointments and reminders ahead of time and setting boundaries on electronic devices, taking turns in conversations with one another, and using visual aids to communicate when their mind gets distracted.
While ADHD can be detrimental to relationships, it is important to acknowledge that many sufferers have positive attributes as well. It is helpful to remind your spouse of the positive things about them, for example their problem-solving abilities and creativity, as well as the ability to hyperfocus for long periods of time on novel tasks.
5. Talk to other People
If you or your children have issues at school, work or in relationships, it may be time to have the ADHD evaluation. It's important to know that ADHD is often misdiagnosed, and many of the symptoms are present in other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The good news is, many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD can manage their symptoms through therapy. It is essential to discuss your symptoms with your therapist, regardless of whether you opt for face-to-face or online counseling. It's also crucial to describe how these symptoms impact your life. This will help your therapist better understand your perspective and help you.
Contact your primary care doctor and ask for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can conduct an ADHD assessment. During the assessment, the doctor may review your symptoms and previous ratings, or complete rating scales and questions, and then conduct physical examination. They will also ask about your family background, education, and environment.
It is essential to discuss the condition with your coworkers, teachers, and supervisors. They may offer adjustments to help you succeed. For instance, they may give more detailed explanations or allow extra time for certain tasks.
Have you or your children ever gotten distracted by a homework assignment, or wished you had a better day or acted without considering the consequences? These are all signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is the most common mental health problem for children and teens. It's also a condition that can continue into adulthood. Many adults don't realize they have symptoms until they encounter difficulties at work or in relationships.