How do I get diagnosed?

[Zarem_12]

I'm 99% sure I have ADD but I'm not sure how to get help or get diagnosed. Can someone help?

[Mark_in_Wales_CVA]

In the UK (and most other places) it will be a psychiatrist that will make the diagnosis. In the UK under the NHS it can take some time for adults, though some parts of the country are quicker than others. You can also get a diagnosis from a private psychiatrist and then pass this to your NHS doctor, which shortens the process a little.

But its also good to read up about ADHD and understand if this is what you have or something else. As I keep recommending - Hallowell and Rateys 'Delivered from Distraction' is a good place to start.

[johnfamilyman in reply to Mark_in_Wales_CVA]

Mark. Good book that you recommend , nice job on your post

[quietlylost]

Finding a provider in your area where you can go for an evaluation. Depending on where you are, you can search for mental health clinics near you with something like Google Maps and then start calling the places that come up to see if they take your insurance and have openings.

[quitter333]

GM - appointment to Psychologist - evaluation 1,2,3 - diagnosis - treatment.

I am pretty sure I got ADD and a little bit of OCD (my mother has both) - very typical rush of thoughts, fidgeting, tons of energy, ups and downs in attention, quick boredom,

but I compensate with quite prolonged periods of concentration as I have learned to enjoy really wast amount of things, so my hyperfocus goes into many many areas, and tremedous memory - despite being scattered, I can always get back to what I did, or think even weeks or months back.

I am kind of scared to even try and get diagnosed. I am highly functional and pretty successful, but I do feel I have something. I am afraid any treatement will make me more average, but I will lose imagination or get depressed again.

A friend of mine has really literal ADHD - he is quick, fidgety, easily bored and really bad at concentration (makes him fun conversation partner though, as he is funny and wannabe ladies man). Now that dude would NEED some treatment as he is nearing age 30 and becuase of his hyperactivity can't form prolonged relationships and works crazily bad job for ADHD people (bartender) which only feeds on his hyperactivity.

So, if you are in a sitaution where you can only go worse, Zarem, do make sure to get at least medical evaluation. I hears ADD becomes more mild as you age, but it may ruin your career opportunities in your 20s and 30s.

[quietlylost in reply to quitter333]

I'm relatively high functioning and I was ultimately diagnosed with ADHD after about a year and a half of care with my current providers. I will say that ADHD medications don't dull me as much as other medications do. At the same time, I've had enough time on and off medications to know that I'd rather take the dulling than the side effects of not being on medication. It's a difficult trade off but one that I've made. I still have my creativity, personality, etc. but I get in trouble less.

[johnfamilyman]

For me I discussed my concerns with my Health care provider, family Dr. and asked them to make a referral to a physicists for testing. I had to do the follow up and found most MD were not taking any appointments and keep working though till I found one - not a ezy process. The result is I have health care professionals treating me.

[FrankTankNitty]

What is your goal for getting a diagnosis? Is it to get medication, to get therapy, etc. What parts of your life are affected by your ADHD? Those are the questions you need to ask yourself before talking to a professional.

[ADHD_Psychologist]

Hi, I am a licensed psychologist, and specialize in diagnosing, treating, and living in a family with people diagnosed with ADHD. Primary care providers can diagnose, but since they usually spend a brief amount of time with you, they might ask that you get assessed and diagnosed by a psychologist/psychiatrist.

For me, it is helpful to have evidence of a history of symptoms that seemed to significantly impact multiple environments, since at least 12 years of age. When possible, consulting with family members is helpful. Here is a helpful link:

adhd-health.com/adhd/dsm5-d...

Then there must be evidence these symptoms continue to impact functioning.

It is also helpful to know if other biological family members seem to have similar symptoms or have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Also note any complications with your birth and aspects of developmental milestones that may have been off, meaning early or late.

I hope you find this helpful.

[kim_possible]

I was not diagnosed until age 28. I'd had problems all my life, but because I'm female and always got good grades, I didn't fit the traditional "hyper" stereotype that would have gotten the attention of my teachers or parents. My poor executive functioning and disorganization finally came to a head when I was trying to go to grad school and really, really struggling. I had 2 previous bad experiences seeing psychologists who didn't specialize in ADHD and didn't take my problems seriously. One actually told me, "Well, you've made it this far in life, and you're okay, so I don't think you need to seek treatment for ADD." I was like... obviously I'm NOT doing okay, or I wouldn't have sought help from you!

So, my advice would be to look for a provider (psychologist or psychiatrist) who states in their bio online that they treat adult ADHD. For me, I looked up nearby colleges and universities and found one with an ADHD clinic. That way, I knew they would have the expertise and not just brush me off. They took a very detailed history that involved them calling my mother to interview her about any symptoms I may have exhibited in childhood.

Hope that helps!