The Ugly Truth About Getting An Adult ADHD Diagnosis

Summary

In this video, ADHD coach Caren Migel shares her personal experience of seeking an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting the struggles many face with procrastination and navigating complex healthcare systems. She outlines the steps to make the process easier, such as using tools like Zachdo to find qualified providers, understanding who can diagnose ADHD, and preparing for the appointment with self-assessments and questions. Caren emphasizes the importance of perseverance and an open mind, as ADHD is often accompanied by other conditions, and the right diagnosis can significantly improve one's quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Procrastination is common with ADHD:** Many individuals with ADHD struggle to start the diagnosis process because it feels overwhelming and daunting.
• 😀 **Finding the right provider is crucial:** The process of finding a healthcare provider who can diagnose ADHD can be frustrating, especially with insurance and availability issues.
• 😀 **Zocdoc is a useful tool:** Zocdoc helps simplify the search for ADHD specialists by allowing users to filter by insurance, location, ratings, and availability. It offers quick appointment bookings.
• 😀 **Know who can diagnose ADHD:** Primary care physicians, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, nurse practitioners, and clinical social workers can diagnose ADHD.
• 😀 **Don’t rely on one professional for everything:** While some professionals can diagnose ADHD, treatment (medication, therapy) often requires seeing specialists like psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners.
• 😀 **Use online ADHD tests for guidance:** Taking online ADHD tests before your appointment can help guide the discussion with your provider and help you remember important symptoms you may forget in the moment.
• 😀 **Stay open-minded about the outcome:** It's important not to get too attached to a specific outcome. ADHD might be accompanied by other conditions like anxiety, depression, or autism, which may also need to be addressed.
• 😀 **Bring questions to your appointment:** Prepare a list of questions for your provider about the diagnosis, treatment options, and next steps. This can be helpful in case the emotional impact of the diagnosis makes you forget some important details.
• 😀 **Push back if necessary:** If a general practitioner dismisses your symptoms or doesn't seem knowledgeable about ADHD, don’t hesitate to find another provider who specializes in ADHD diagnoses.
• 😀 **Get the support you need:** Once you get a diagnosis, work with your provider to create a comprehensive treatment plan, whether that includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Q & A

Why do people with ADHD often procrastinate when it comes to seeking a diagnosis?

People with ADHD may procrastinate because the process of seeking a diagnosis can feel overwhelming and daunting. Due to the nature of ADHD, which affects executive functioning, tasks like navigating insurance websites or reaching out to professionals can seem insurmountable.

What was Caren Migel's experience with getting an ADHD diagnosis?

Caren Migel describes her experience as a difficult and frustrating one, where she struggled with emotional dysregulation, memory issues, and finding a healthcare professional who could diagnose ADHD. It took her six to eight months to find someone who would test her.

What resource does Caren recommend for simplifying the process of finding a healthcare provider for ADHD diagnosis?

Caren recommends using Zocdoc, a free app and website where users can search for healthcare providers who specialize in ADHD and filter for insurance compatibility, location, and ratings. Appointments can typically be scheduled within 24-72 hours.

What types of health professionals can diagnose ADHD?

The professionals who can diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, nurse practitioners, and clinical social workers (often in collaboration with psychologists).

What is the difference between a healthcare provider diagnosing ADHD and providing treatment?

While some healthcare providers can diagnose ADHD, treatment for ADHD can involve therapy or medication. Only certain professionals, such as family doctors, psychiatrists, or nurse practitioners, can prescribe medication for ADHD. However, they may not provide ongoing therapy or mental health counseling.

What should a person do before their ADHD diagnosis appointment?

Before the appointment, Caren suggests taking online diagnostic tests related to ADHD, printing the results, and bringing them to the appointment. This can guide the conversation and help ensure that important symptoms are discussed.

What advice does Caren offer about managing expectations during the diagnosis process?

Caren advises not to get too attached to the outcome of the diagnosis. ADHD symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or autism, so it's important to stay open to the possibility that other diagnoses may be made.

What should you do if a healthcare provider dismisses your ADHD concerns?

If a general practitioner or family doctor dismisses your ADHD symptoms, Caren recommends not accepting this response. Instead, she encourages patients to continue searching for a provider who specializes in ADHD and can offer a proper diagnosis.

Why does Caren suggest writing down questions before the diagnosis appointment?

Caren recommends writing down questions because a diagnosis can be an emotional moment, and having a prepared list can help ensure that important queries about treatment options and next steps are not forgotten during the appointment.

What role does emotional dysregulation play in the ADHD diagnosis process?

Emotional dysregulation, a common symptom of ADHD, can make the process of seeking a diagnosis even more difficult. For Caren, her emotional struggles, combined with the overwhelming nature of navigating the healthcare system, made it harder to stay focused and organized during her diagnosis journey.