Getting Diagnosed With ADHD as an Adult
An adult diagnosis of ADHD is hard to obtain for many reasons. Providers are looking for the life history of these symptoms and they are looking for more than a self report of the symptoms which can be hard to get especially if we’re talking about the inattentive type. This leaves many adults seeking diagnosis feeling dismissed and let down.
There is hope though! Many people expect professionals within the mental health field to have an understanding of all diagnoses and while sometimes that is true, not all providers know what to look for especially with adults. One important factor to accurate diagnosis is seeking a provider who is knowledgable about ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Here are some tips for those seeking diagnosis:
Write down the symptoms you are concerned about. It is so easy to go into the appointment thinking that you will remember it all but most of the time there is something we forget.
Ask around to find a provider who really knows what they are talking about and make sure you feel comfortable enough to share your full experience with them.
Identify your intentions and explore your options. Are you looking for accommodations at work or in school or are you looking for a label for your own knowledge? Depending on what you want to do with the information there are different options for evaluations and diagnosis that may be better suited for the path you want to take.
Research your options post diagnosis. There are many options after diagnosis including individual therapy, family therapy, medication, group therapy, nutrition and diet changes, and many more! Figure out what supports you would want.
Explore what it would mean if you were told you do not have ADHD. Without the label you are still able to show yourself more grace and implement systems and routines that would best suit your needs regardless of what the providers think.
Create a plan for if you do not like the results of the evaluation. You can choose to get a second opinion or you can choose to go with the treatment plan that provider offered or go a different route all together. Knowing what you want to do should it not go as hoped will lessen the impact of not getting the answer you’re looking for and help guide your next steps to make it seem less daunting.
Usually getting diagnosed with ADHD is a long journey even if you get the diagnosis. Prepare yourself and your support group for this experience. Get good at listening to your body and the needs of those around you and create plans for tackling the challenges. Starting individual therapy while you wait for the diagnosis is a great place to start! At Through the Woods Mental Health Services we love supporting people through this transition and more!
