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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't always straightforward. There are many obstacles that could stand in the way from a lack of access to care to a general practitioner who is reluctant to refer patients to an evaluation. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are qualified professionals who are able to conduct ADHD testing. Ask trusted therapists and doctors for recommendations and do your research. 1. Speak to Your Doctor First, it's important to find a qualified 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. You may need to visit multiple people before you find one who can meet your requirements and views on treating ADHD. Also, consider your stance regarding medications. If you're against it, ensure you express your position in advance so you don’t waste time with someone who won't listen to you. An interview with the patient is the first step in determining whether a person suffers from ADHD. The doctor will ask the patient to elaborate on their symptoms and how they impact their lives. The doctor could also use a rating system or other instruments to determine the frequency symptoms are present. A mental health professional will also typically speak with the patient's significant other family members (spouse parents, spouse or siblings for adults) and ask them to fill out evaluation forms. This gives the examiner a broader perspective of the effect of ADHD symptoms on a person's daily life. Discussing the symptoms with your spouse or partner can help you gain greater understanding of what they're going through. In addition, a mental health professional is usually do a physical exam to rule out any other issues that could be contributing to the person's problems. A health care professional could perform a blood test to determine if there are high levels of certain chemicals associated with ADHD. They may also conduct a brain-imaging exam to measure the blood flow in the brain and look for signs of an increase in the size of structures in the brain associated with ADHD. 2. Talk to Your Child's Teacher Teachers are often able to spot unusual behavior in kids, and they can be an invaluable source of information. They can help you decide whether or not your child's symptoms are caused by ADHD. They can also assist in ensuring that your child receive the help they require at school. It is best to talk with your child's teacher prior to the beginning of the school year to discuss ADHD. You can make it easier for your child's teacher communicate with you by scheduling a first meeting prior to the first day of class. During the ADHD evaluation, doctors often require feedback from people who spend time with your children (such as teachers). The doctor will be interested in knowing how long your child has had symptoms and whether they have a negative impact on their academic performance. They may also ask you questions regarding your child's behavior at home or with family and friends, or at work. Some adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because they were not properly treated or because their symptoms were incorrectly blamed on anxiety or depression. In adulthood, adults often forget about their childhood struggles with ADHD symptoms or think they “grew out of them.” In an ADHD assessment, you may be required to fill out questionnaires with family members, close friends, and colleagues. The evaluator might also ask you to provide reports from your school and, if possible you have a medical history prior to the evaluation. These documents will help the evaluator understand the history of ADHD and how it impacts your life. 3. Talk to Your Co-Workers Many people suffering from ADHD have suffered from the disorder for years without being diagnosed. They may have a variety of unanswered frustrations and issues with work, friends and family. Some people may be happy to know they are not alone in their struggles when they realize how many others struggle with similar issues. Others may feel anger and sadness as they reflect on missed chances in childhood, their underachievement at work, and misunderstandings with other people. A specialist can help you get a diagnosis for adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist or a doctor with expertise in ADHD. Most often, recommendations for specialists will be offered by therapists, GPs and other healthcare professionals. It is essential to learn all you can about the specialist that you will be visiting, including their academic and professional background. A few recommendations or a search on the internet can help you. Once you've found a qualified person, talk with them about the symptoms and how they impact your life. If you're having a difficult finding a specialist, ask your family and friends about the doctors they've been to and what their experiences were like. You can also learn more about the credentials and ratings of specialists on the Internet. Be honest when discussing your issues with your psychiatrist or doctor. They will ask if the behaviours cause you stress or whether your work performance is affected. Bring any documentation you may need. This will assist in proving your request for workplace accommodation like flexible working hours, early morning meetings or the option of taking a daytime break. 4. Talk with Your Spouse Adults suffering from ADHD may not realize they have the disorder until their partner brings it up or they are confronted by stressful life events, like 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 staying organized, procrastinating, and having trouble with executive functioning, such as time management, planning, or organizational skills. If you're in an intimate relationship with someone who has ADHD, try to talk to them about their problems and how they impact your relationship. If you can't talk face-toface you can try video chatting or email to maintain eye-contact and establish a connection. You can also consult a mental health specialist who is specialized in ADHD for advice and to help you understand the symptoms you encounter in your everyday life. After you have discussed the issues surrounding your partner's ADHD with them, find ways to help them be treated and also to help them. Avoid snagging or judging them as this can make them feel overburdened and defensive. Instead, be supportive by role playing situations with them and offering them a variety of helpful strategies to help them manage their symptoms, including scheduling appointments and reminders ahead of time and establishing boundaries around electronic devices, taking turns in conversations with one another and using visual aids to communicate when their brain gets distracted. While ADHD can negatively impact relationships, it is important to recognize the positive aspects of a lot of people suffering from this condition. It is beneficial to remind your spouse of the positive things about them, like their problem-solving abilities and creativity, as well as the ability to focus for long periods of time on new tasks. 5. Talk to other People If you or your child is having difficulty in school, at work or in relationship, it might be time to get an ADHD evaluation. It's important to note that ADHD is often misdiagnosed and many of the symptoms are also present in other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. The good news is, many people diagnosed with ADHD can overcome their symptoms through therapy. It is essential to discuss your issues with your therapist, whether you decide to go through face-to-face or online counseling. It's also essential 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 to refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can perform an ADHD assessment. During the assessment, the doctor may review your symptoms and previous ratings, or complete rating scales and questions, and conduct a physical exam. They will also inquire about your family history, education, upbringing and the environment. It is important to discuss the issue with your colleagues, teachers and supervisors. They can often offer accommodations to help you succeed by providing more detailed explanations and extra time for certain tasks. Have you or your child ever gotten lost in homework assignments, wished you were in class, or behaved without thinking? These are all signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is the most frequent mental health issue in children and teens. It's also an illness that can persist into adulthood. Many adults don't even realize they have symptoms until they experience difficulties at work or in relationships.