I think I have ADHD as an adult. How do I get diagnosed?

It's completely understandable to consider an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Many people realize later in life that their lifelong struggles might be explained by ADHD. The good news is that adult ADHD is very treatable.

Here's how you can go about getting diagnosed, including specific brands and services:

1. Start with Your Primary Care Doctor (PCP)

This is often the best first step.

• Why: Your PCP can rule out other medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms (like thyroid issues, sleep apnea, or vitamin deficiencies). They can also perform an initial screening and then refer you to a specialist if needed.
• What to do: Schedule an appointment and explain your concerns. Come prepared with a list of your symptoms, how long you've experienced them, and how they impact your daily life (work, relationships, finances, etc.).
• Recommendation: Simply contact your family doctor or look for a local clinic or health system like Kaiser Permanente (if in their service area), Quest Diagnostics (for blood work your PCP might order), or your local hospital's primary care network.

2. Seek a Specialist for a Comprehensive Evaluation

A definitive ADHD diagnosis in adults requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.

• Who to see:
  • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in mental health and can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication.
  • Psychologist: Has a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and specializes in mental health. They can diagnose ADHD and provide therapy, but cannot prescribe medication (unless in specific states with additional training).
  • Neuropsychologist: A psychologist who specializes in how brain function affects behavior. They often perform more extensive cognitive testing, which can be very helpful in complex cases or when differentiating ADHD from other conditions.
• What to expect: A comprehensive evaluation will typically involve:
  • In-depth interviews about your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
  • Review of your childhood history (school reports, interviews with family members if possible).
  • Standardized questionnaires and rating scales (like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale - ASRS, or Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales - CAARS).
  • Possibly cognitive tests to assess attention, memory, and executive functions.
• Recommendations for finding a specialist:
  • Your PCP's referral: The easiest way to find someone covered by your insurance.
  • Psychology Today: An excellent online directory where you can search for psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists by location, specialty (ADHD, adult ADHD), insurance accepted, and even specific types of therapy.
  • CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Offers resources and a directory for finding ADHD professionals.
  • ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): Similar to CHADD, provides resources and a professional directory.
  • Your Insurance Company's Provider Directory: Log in to your health insurance portal to find in-network specialists.

3. Consider Telehealth Platforms (with caution)

Telehealth has made mental health services more accessible, but it's crucial to choose platforms that prioritize thorough evaluations.

• Pros: Convenience, accessibility, potentially shorter wait times.
• Cons: Some platforms have faced criticism for rushed diagnoses or quick prescription of stimulants without adequate evaluation. It's vital to ensure they conduct a comprehensive assessment.
• Recommendations (proceed with diligence):
  • Klarity Health (formerly DoneFirst): Specifically focuses on ADHD diagnosis and treatment. They connect you with licensed clinicians. Be sure to inquire about their diagnostic process to ensure it's thorough.
  • ADHD Online: Another platform specifically for adult ADHD diagnosis and ongoing care. They often require you to complete extensive questionnaires and provide historical information.
  • Talkspace / BetterHelp: These are broader online therapy platforms. While they have many licensed therapists, you'd need to specifically seek out a therapist who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and evaluation.

Important Considerations:

• Be Prepared: Write down your symptoms, how they affect your life, when they started (even in childhood), and any family history of ADHD.
• Be Patient: Getting a thorough diagnosis can take time, including multiple appointments and information gathering.
• Insurance: Always check with your insurance provider about coverage for evaluations and therapy/medication management.
• Don't Self-Diagnose: While your self-awareness is a great first step, a professional diagnosis is crucial for understanding your condition and getting appropriate treatment.

It's a brave step to seek clarity about your symptoms. Wishing you the best on this journey!